After officially signing his new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, Jordan Clarkson spoke with Chris McGee of TWC SportsNet about securing his future in Los Angeles. Clarkson is glad the deal is done and now appears anxious to get to work:
“Best thing is I’m back here in the city, Clarkson told McGee of TWC SportsNet. “You know, ready to work with everybody. New coaching staff. We got the young guys that came in from the draft. It’s exciting, and I’m ready to work.”
Clarkson was also asked about Brandon Ingram and his thoughts on the rookie forward after watching a Summer League practice session:
“I talked a bit with Jabari [Brown] yesterday. He told me that the kid can score the ball. He just has those instincts that he can really score. So it was nice to watch a little bit today. He’s still kind of trying to feel things out, but I think he’s going to be a really good player.”
The Lakers headed into the NBA offseason with re-signing Clarkson to a lucrative long-term deal as the team’s top priority. Clarkson has been an outstanding player for the Lakers over the past two seasons far exceeding expectations after being selected with the 46th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Once NBA free agency got underway last week, the Lakers brass didn’t hesitate to get a new deal done with Clarkson. The team extended a qualifying offer to the 24-year-old guard a day before free agency and then quickly moved on agreeing to a four-year deal worth $50 million the following day.
Clarkson’s deal with the Lakers is considered to be both a steal for the team and well deserved for a player that continues to improve. The Missouri product has been arguably the most consistent player on the squad the last two years and an important piece of the rebuilding process in Los Angeles.