Lakers News: Jordan Clarkson Named to All-Rookie First Team

The Lakers don’t have much to celebrate these days. They just experienced the worst season in franchise history and now the Lakers can only hope the ping-pong balls will fall their way. It’s difficult to remain optimistic during these trying times.

-== Lakers Draft Evaluations: Comparing Then & Now ==-

One of the few bright spots this past season was Jordan Clarkson. The Lakers found a diamond in the rough in the second round and he’s barely beginning to shine. Today, the NBA announced the All-Rookie teams and Clarkson was named to the first team.

The NBA tweeted out the results on their official Twitter account:

The final spot came down to Clarkson and Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics. Most believed Smart would get the final nod, but Clarkson edged out the sixth overall pick in last year’s draft. Clarkson received 74 first team votes, while Smart only got 28.

Clarkson averaged 11.9 points, 3.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game in 59 games played during the regular season. Clarkson really put in the work to improve as the season progressed and it showed late in the year.

The Lakers have not been known for their drafting, but picking up Clarkson in the second round was genius.