Jordan Clarkson had a very good rookie season for the Los Angeles Lakers, and it seemed as if they had found a gem in the second round. There were questions about whether his production was coming because the Lakers had such a bad team and there really wasn’t anyone else. However, he has answered those questions with a good start to the 2015-2016 season, and has arguably been the team’s best player. Clarkson has been a pleasant surprise so far and the Lakers hope that he continues to develop as an all-around talent.
One impressive trait that has carried over from his rookie season has been the aggressiveness with which he plays on offense. Clarkson is constantly looking to create and to put pressure on the defense, whereas some of his teammates are content with standing on the perimeter and taking tough, contested shots. He is improving as a dribbler, and has the athleticism to get into the paint and make plays for his team. He is not afraid to have the ball in his hands as the shot clock winds down, and takes the initiative in getting the offense going.
Statistically, Clarkson has been putting up good numbers so far. He is averaging 15 points, four rebounds, two and a half assists, and one steal a game. He started off shooting extremely well from deep, but has cooled off to about 34 percent. He is still shooting 45 percent from the field and almost 80 percent from the free throw line, showing efficiency from the guard position.
Defensively is where Clarkson still needs to improve, but there are signs that he can get better. He is constantly matching up with talented perimeter players, and shows more effort than most of his teammates. He gets down in his stance early, and has shown enough lateral quickness to keep up with players while isolated on the outside. His ability to get better on defense will have a huge impact on his future in the league.
The Lakers will have a decision to make this offseason, and Clarkson is making a strong case that they should give him a long-term contract. He has continued to work on his outside shooting, and plays like he belongs on the court. He has been one of the few bright spots for the team, and should continue to develop into a very good player.
