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Lakers: What Luke Walton’s Lineup Changes Could Look Like

By Christian Rivas

Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks with guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center.Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton talks with guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center.Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Start Jordan Clarkson at Shooting Guard

Dec 20, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) reacts to a foul call in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Lakers 117-113. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) reacts to a foul call in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Lakers 117-113. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Jordan Clarkson is enjoying a midseason resurgence of sorts with the Purple and Gold in the month of January.

In his last five games, Clarkson is averaging 15.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals. His increased productivity can easily be traced back to one statistic; playing time.

Clarkson has averaged 32.9 minutes per game over the last five games. He has played more than 30 minutes 18 times this season, according to basketball-reference.com. In those games, Clarkson scored in double figures 17 times, including his season-high 25 points.

Starting Clarkson seemed like a no-brainer at the beginning of the season, but the unexpected return to form from Nick Young forced head coach Luke Walton’s hand. While Young hasn’t done anything to justify being moved to the bench since then, Clarkson’s play as of late might earn him the starting nod sooner than later.

Jordan Clarkson started all 79 games he was healthy at shooting guard last season under former head coach Byron Scott. His 15.5 points per game last season were only second to Kobe Bryant, who was among the league leaders in field goal attempts (16.9). Never change, Kobe. Never change.

The Clarkson-D’Angelo Russell backcourt also hasn’t been given much run under Walton this season. Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to reunite the Swag Bros. After all, Clarkson and Russell were supposed to be the backcourt of the future in Los Angeles, according to Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

“Our vision would be that both of those players play together in the backcourt for 10-12 years,” Kupchak said in an interview with Brian Geltzeiler and Rick Mahorn on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “That’s what we’re hoping for. We don’t look at them as players that can’t play with each other or have to play with somebody else. We think they can play together.”

While trading for a shooting guard before the upcoming trade deadline is a possibility, Walton might find his best option is waiting on his bench. At just 24 yeard old, Clarkson has his best basketball ahead of him and because of the four-year, $50 million contract he signed with the Purple and Gold this past summer. those years will be with the Lakers.

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