Jordan Clarkson is the real deal. When D’Angelo Russell was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second pick in the NBA Draft, the “average” basketball fan believed that they didn’t trust Clarkson. That is false. Clarkson is as equally effective off the ball as he is on. He is a scorer that strives inside 20 feet.

Russell, on the other hand, is similar to Clarkson in the sense that he can play on and off the ball. Russell is without question a better passer and shooter than Clarkson, which makes him a big threat to do either. The two young guards are also 6-foot-5, a respectable size for a shooting guard.

Last season Clarkson averaged 11.9 points and 3.5 assists. In 38 starts his numbers jumped to 15.8 points, 5 assists and 4.2 rebounds. Clarkson’s numbers jumped significantly each month he started. In the final month of the season, he averaged 19.4 points, 6.8 assists and 4.6 rebounds.

At times Clarkson looked like a star player, despite being keyed in with the injuries to Kobe Bryant, Nick Young, and Julius Randle. With added talent in Louis Williams and Roy Hibbert and a healthy Randle and Bryant, life will only get easier for Clarkson. He will also likely start alongside Russell, who is an excellent offensive player.

What makes Clarkson even more intriguing is that he looks like a much better defender in his three preseason games so far. Clarkson looks quicker and much more engaged than he did at times last year.

There is even a chance that Clarkson will emerge as the Lakers’ best scorer if Bryant is placed on a minutes restriction. Clarkson is a well-rounded player that should have no problem emerging as a go-to-guy, as he showed flashes of doing it well as a rookie. Clarkson had 26 points in a matchup with Rajon Rondo, 30 points against Russell Westbrook, 27 points against Damian Lillard and 25 points against Mike Conley.

Expect the 23-year old guard to average in the range of 18 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds this season.

 

George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgemiddlet0n, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google