Lakers: 3 Takeaways From the Preseason Opener vs Kings
Jordan Clarkson’s Defensive Improvements Are Evident
After being a liability on defense the past two season, Jordan Clarkson showed he’s ready to take the next step.
To the surprise of Lakers fans everywhere, Jordan Clarkson started the game on the bench Tuesday against the Kings.
Clarkson was considered a lock as the Lakers starting shooting guard considering the lack of talent they have at the position. Not only that, but Clarkson is a pretty good basketball player, per sources.
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My sources are my eyes.
In his 20 minutes on the floor, Clarkson scored 12 points and grabbed 6 boards, the most rebounds by any guard that played that night.
While his 12 points aren’t eye dropping, Clarkson provided much needed offense to a team that couldn’t get the lid off of the basket in the first half of the game.
However, his offense wasn’t his biggest contribution on the court last night, which is a first for Clarkson. His perimeter defense was a huge reason the Lakers were able to climb their way out of a double-digit deficit in the second half.
After reportedly working on his defense all summer, Clarkson looked great against the Kings, and we’re not the only ones that think so.
Clarkson has been his own worst critic, admitting to the media in Santa Barbara he was “just terrible on that end of the floor” last season.
If Clarkson can continue to improve on the defensive end, his bench role will surely be short lived.