Los Angeles Lakers: 3 standouts vs New Orleans Pelicans
Jordan Clarkson
There were a lot of rumors surrounding Jordan Clarkson this offseason. He was dangled in trade negotiations, as rumors popped up that the Lakers would trade him if it meant clearing more cap space. A trade never materialized, and Clarkson has not let it get to him as he has performed well thus far.
Clarkson has been moved to the bench in a sixth man role and ran with it. He has provided a consistent scoring punch as he provides instant offense off the bench. Against the Pelicans, Clarkson poured in a season-high 24 points in 26 minutes.
Adding to his effectiveness was that he ran the offense at times. Tyler Ennis received only three minutes of playing time, so Clarkson played plenty of point guard. It is something he has done in the past with the Lakers, and he did it well again against New Orleans, handing out five assists.
Clarkson is a versatile player for the Lakers because he can fill multiple roles. He has experience as both a starter and reserve and has shown an ability to play point guard and off ball.
Next: Lakers Comeback Falls Short vs Pelicans
If he continues to knock down three-pointers as he has done in the early going, the Lakers will not be looking to unload him as salary relief; they will be committing to him as a building block as the rebuild pushes forward.