The Gift of Jordan Clarkson

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

With Christmas upon us it is the time of the year to reflect and give thanks for the loved ones in our lives. As the Lakers continue their tumultuous season, not much has gone right following another thumping by the Oklahoma City Thunder where the Lakers lost by 35 points. They currently have a record of 5-24, haven’t played a complete 4 quarters this season, and seem to have no chemistry together with the different lineups that Coach Scott assembles on a weekly basis. While everything seem to be trending toward a lost season, the one consistency that Laker fans and management should find optimism in is the play of Jordan Clarkson. Coming into the season, all the news was focused on highly touted draft picks D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle, however it has been Clarkson who’s been the solid rock for this Laker team. Clarkson plays with the kind of passion and determination that is unmatched by any of his teammates excluding Kobe Bryant. When he gets the ball in his hands you can see the confidence he enthuses as he blows past defenders to attack the hoop and create plays. Whether it is pulling up for a jumper, shoveling a nice pass for a teammate or playing tight defense, good things seem to follow Clarkson whenever he is on the court. Out of Laker players who average over 20 minutes or more, Clarkson leads the way in +/- when he is on the court. Additionally in other key team statistical categories, Clarkson leads the team in Minutes, Field Goal %, and 2nd in points behind the Black Mamba. While there has been plenty of defensive breakdowns this season, Jordan provides a refreshing relentlessness on the defensive end of the court where he leads the team in steals at 1.2 per game. While still only in his 2nd season, Clarkson shows promise to be a key cornerstone for the Lakers franchise with the energy he provides on the court, a consistent jumper from both short and long range as well as a high basketball I.Q. that enhances the performance of everyone he plays with. Mitch Kupchak recently stated the need for development in the Lakers youth and need for answers as Laker management decides which players will be part of the long-term future. Based on the play of Jordan Clarkson up to this point, it is becoming clear that with the tenacity and consistency that he has been able to play with since he’s been with the team, that the Lakers have found a player who will anchor the team in its next chapter of greatness.