Jan 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers guard
Jordan Farmar(1) during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
12. Jordan Clarkson
The fact that the Lakers are not playing Jordan Clarkson at least 20 minutes per game makes absolutely no sense. Winning at this point should be the last priority for the Lakers, and there is no doubt that Clarkson has some potential. Clarkson surprised us all in the preseason, showing great athleticism and an improved jump shot.
The 2014 second round pick is one of the few bright spots on the roster, and should be a priority in the second half of the season. Although he has not performed all that well over the last few games, giving the young guard more minutes will only help him get better.
The question is, how will playing Ronnie Price over Jordan Clarkson help the future in any way? It won’t. Clarkson has the athleticism to be a productive guard in this league, and with his three point percentage from his senior year at Missouri to his rookie season rising from 28% to 33%, it is clear that he is willing to put in the work to get better.
Starting Clarkson against the Spurs was a step in the right direction, and I wouldn’t mind letting the young man start the rest of the season. What do the Lakers have to lose?
Next: 11. Ronnie Price