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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 standouts vs New Orleans Pelicans

Kenneth Teape|
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Andrew Bogut #66 of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks a shot by DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans as Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half at Staples Center October 22, 2017 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.(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: Andrew Bogut #66 of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks a shot by DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans as Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half at Staples Center October 22, 2017 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.(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 standouts vs New Orleans Pelicans
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 22: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 22, 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)

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.

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