Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Kobe Bryant attended his first home game since his shoulder surgery and he made his presence felt immediately. During timeouts or on the sidelines, he was in his teammates ears giving them advice and pointers throughout the game.
Outside of his own comeback from his latest shoulder injury, what’s exciting is his workout plan for Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. Last summer, he worked out with Wesley Johnson, which was nice on his part, but clearly a waste of time based on Johnson’s play. Johnson has never lived up to expectations as the #4 pick in the draft and likely will be a former Laker next season.
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Julius Randle has talked about Bryant passing him the torch. Add to that Clarkson’s play since being named starter and it has garnished talk around the league. Randle and Clarkson could be the next Lakers one-two punch and what better mentor to have than Kobe Bryant? Byron Scott already mentioned that Randle and Clarkson would be playing in summer league as well as Tarik Black. Both Randle and Clarkson should dominate.
Bryant mentioned “footwork” as the main emphasis for Randle and Clarkson’s workouts and since Bryant’s shoulder is the body part that is recovering, he should have no problem modeling the right steps to the younger players. In the twilight of Bryant’s career, he has become a much more willing teacher and in what may possibly be his final season, he’s ready to pass on his secrets to the ones who might be taking his place as the Lakers’ leader.
The Lakers upcoming draft and free agency period will be interesting, but what cannot be forgotten is developing the current talent on the roster. Laker fans can’t wait to have something to cheer about again and with Kobe Bryant working with Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson this summer, expect vast improvements from both next season.