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Los Angeles Lakers Jordan Clarkson joins NBA Summer Workouts at UCLA

By Shereen Rayan

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during a game against the Sacramento Kings on April 7, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 7: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during a game against the Sacramento Kings on April 7, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Been waiting all summer to see a Los Angeles Lakers player walk into the gym at the daily UCLA pros practice and Thursday was the day Jordan Clarkson showed up.

I have had the pleasure of watching former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Nick Young play in the Drew League and recently at the UCLA training sessions led by DaRico “Rico” Travone Hines (G-League asst coach for the Reno Big Horns) and coach/trainer Ron Allen (former Cincinnati Bearcat and NBA Trainer). He’s still playing extremely intensely but also still flashes that literal million dollar smile. Swaggy P just loves the game of basketball. There is no denying it.

When I got to the practice facility (invited), I took in the Toronto Raptors practice for awhile. Delon Wright, Demar DeRozan, and team were all going through the motions with their coaching staff.

The next team up was the Los Angeles Clippers. Brice Johnson was working out privately with a shooting coach in front of me, looked pretty good. The rest of the team were running group drills at the other end of court one.

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The Bruins were working out on the far court, and former Arizona Wildcat Chance Comanche walked in at the start as well. Comanche is choosing between G-League teams, trying out for them and such.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Derrick Williams showed up, as well as and the Golden State Warriors Matt Barnes showed up with his sons. Barnes’ teammate, Jordan Bell, also took part in the pickup games.

The Bruins play together for the most part, and it’s almost entire freshman class sprinkled in with Thomas Welsh and Prince Ali. Jordan Clarkson and Nick Young along with other NBA pros took on the Bruins who held their own.

Clarkson looked great, very physical and active. He guarded Clippers second-year three-point getter, Sam Dekker. The two were enjoyable while going at each other.

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 11: Jordan Clarkson
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 11: Jordan Clarkson /

The man you could not take your eyes off during today’s scrimmage was Montrezl Harrell. Harrell played in the Drew League this summer; he plays for the Clippers. He is a beast on the court. There was no dialing back his fervor for the game. He wanted a dunk he got a dunk.

Harrell was frequently open and just as frustrated that the ball did not get into his hands. I thanked him afterward, told him he was entertaining to watch, and he was pleased to hear it.

These scrimmages give NBA players a chance to play the game they love with some rules, light refereeing, and no fans to scream at them; just pure pickup basketball. The walls are usually lined with ballers who are dying to get their chance to play if a spot opens up on the court. I sat next to former Cal Bear Roger Moute A Bidias as we watched the workout unfold. He had a huge smile on his face, just wanted to get in to play.

Both Drew League legends Antonio Bigilo and Frank Robinson played the entire session; those two can ball let me tell you. The Clippers assistant coach said he heard Antonio was a great player who should be looked at, I mention Frank and Antonio definitely were not to be overlooked. So a lot seems to go down than just a practice.

Clarkson never disappoints when I’ve watched him live. He’s quick, doesn’t give up on the play and always aware of the ball!

Next: Julius Randle played in The Drew League, check it out!

On Wednesday, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook showed up to play and the Bruins seemed to step up their game and actually beat LeBron’s team. The teams are not picked ahead of time, so not much to read into that, especially because LeBron’s highlights were broadcasted over the internet.

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