Lakers: 3 Takeaways From the Preseason Loss vs Nuggets
The Second Unit Continues to Impress
High energy defense has been the name of the game for the Lakers second unit and it’s working.
For the second game in a row, the Lakers’ second unit was a bright spot for the team. Among the players in the Lakers new bench mob is Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson has looked the part of someone who should be starting through two games, but he has no problem coming off the bench.
“As long as I’m on the court,” Clarkson said. “I think I said that in like three interviews already. I’m gonna impact the game. I’m gonna be aggressive on offense. I’m gonna score. I’m gonna get after it defensively, so it’s kinda the same thing to me, for real.”
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Clarkson finished the game with 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting and was also a pick pocket with 4 steals. His growth defensively was evident Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings, and he is only getting better each game.
The team has had a hard time in both games getting their defense started and starting Lou Williams probably isn’t the solution to that.
However, Walton likes what he has seen from his second unit. Aside from Walton, Larry Nance Jr. and Tarik Black once again showed that they are a capable front court duo.
They combined for 17 points and 9 rebounds, which is more impressive when you consider none of them forced anything on the offensive end.
Head coach Luke Walton has preached defense since day one of training camp, and through two games the young guys seem to be buying in.