Five Things the Lakers Must Do to Make a Playoff Run This Season

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Feb 25, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) reacts to dunking the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jordan Clarkson Must Continue to Improve

Clarkson could be the player to emerge as the face of the Lakers franchise and the team’s leader.

Second-round draft choices can produce unlikely contributors like DeAndre Jordan and Draymond Green, but invariably they are complementary pieces, not the featured performer. Clarkson may break that mold.

Russell and Randle may have entered the league with a significantly higher profile, but it is Clarkson who appears to have the game, the temperament, and the star quality to re-energize the team as it creeps towards the post-Bryant era.

Clarkson still has his doubters, mainly naysayers who look down on any player who is not a lottery choice. He had an incredible rookie season that was made even more impressive considering the fact he languished on the bench while playing hardly at all the first half of the season.

When he finally got his chance, Clarkson took full advantage. He dominated the two point guards chosen in last year’s lottery, Marcus Smart and Dante Exum, in head-to-head competition.

Apr 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) shoots against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Robbie Hummel (4) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Clarkson got better and stronger as the year progressed, and the season coming to an end didn’t deter the 2015 NBA All-Rookie First Team selection from competing. He just keeps going. This is a guy who lives and breathes basketball.

One get’s the feeling Clarkson would play all day and all night if he had the chance. When one game is over, he looks and sounds like he’s ready to play another without a break. He’s always in attack mode on the court. In some ways, Clarkson is reminiscent of Westbrook.

That’s not to say Clarkson doesn’t have room for improvement. He does, but the key is he knows it. That is why Clarkson keeps working and working.

He doesn’t have an attitude of entitlement. He takes nothing for granted and always trains and plays like he’s about to be cut. This is precisely what a team wants and needs in a young star.

Despite all the positive indications, Clarkson needs to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump and prove last year was no fluke.

Early indications suggest Clarkson will predominantly play the shooting guard position, where he must show he has a consistent outside shot to accompany his ability to get to the rim with his elite quickness.

He has the potential to draw a lot of attention from defenders which should make it easier for him to dish the rock to open players and create easy opportunities. He also has the potential to become a good defender but is an aspect of his game that needs work.

The feeling is Clarkson is the real deal and can do all these things. If he shows solid improvement in these areas this season, Clarkson will become one of the league’s brightest young stars. More importantly, it will mean the Lakers have made progress towards becoming a playoff team once again.

Next: Report: Lakers to Sign Marcelo Huertas Before Training Camp

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