How Kobe, D’Angelo Russell & Jordan Clarkson Fit With Lakers
Go back as long as you can remember. Really dig deep into your memory. Ask yourself: when was the last time the Lakers had a legitimately fun backcourt? Go ahead. I’ll just sit here while you do so.
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Based on what I can remember, you have to go back to the Nick Van Exel/Eddie Jones tandem of the mid-to-late-90s, or Van Exel/Kobe once Jones was traded and before Van Exel was sent to Denver. You know, nearly two decades ago. But, fear not, based on just the potential talent now compiled head into 2015-16, fans will have at least that to look forward to.
Kobe Bryant, Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell – if used correctly – could immediately become as entertaining as any trio of guards in recent Lakers history.
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To be clear, Kobe Bryant by himself has made many guard rotations entertaining by himself throughout his career. The point I’m making here is that we haven’t seen a pair of fun guards play at the same time since “Saved By The Bell” was my favorite show.
The Lakers suddenly have a First World problem, though. There are two guard spots and they have three guards who’ll deserve consistent minutes. Byron Scott can actually learn from Phil Jackson, though, in how to manage such a situation. Any two positions combine for 96 total minutes. Jackson basically divvied up those minutes as equally as he could between Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom, thanks to Odom’s willingness to come off the bench and both Gasol and Odom’s versatility.
With Bryant, Clarkson and Russell, Byron can divide the 96 minutes between the two guard spots among the three (32 minutes per game, on average) with Clarkson assuming Odom’s role off the bench.
Apr 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
(Side note: Byron, I swear, if you even think of not starting Russell because he’s a rookie and your ideology is ancient, I swear, I’ll blackmail you with a picture in which your arms are not crossed. Alright, back to the article)
Russell and Kobe starting together would be really interesting, and would take a huge burden from Kobe’s surgically-repaired shoulders. Russell could run pick and rolls galore while Kobe plays more the traditional role of shooting guard, finding spots from which to attack once Russell attracts opposing defenses’ attention. Then, Clarkson could sub in for either guard, as he showed last year he could play on or off the ball.
Like I said earlier, the key to the puzzle with Gasol, Bynum and Odom was versatility. The same fact applies with these three guards. That Kobe, Clarkson and Russell can each play at least two positions enhances their ability to adapt to any situation Scott might encounter during the course of a game. Clarkson and Russell (natural point guards) both possess the size to play at least short stretches at shooting guard. Bryant, arguably one of the greatest two-guards ever, could easily slide over to small forward if Scott runs with Clarkson and Russell together.
Byron would probably never consider the lineup in a zillion years. But still, so much creativity on the court at the same time, along with Julius Randle’s high post abilities and oh my goodness I’m excited to watch this team play basketball!
Which brings me to the original point. The Lakers will be fun to watch next year. Think of that right there. We haven’t been able to make that statement in… well, it feels like five lifetimes. With these three guards, though, we get to relive memories from nearly twenty years ago. Thank goodness for tanking.