Los Angeles Lakers: 4 takeaways from win against Denver Nuggets

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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 19: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against the Denver Nuggets on November 19, 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) /

Bench Duo Shines

Although the Lakers have a losing record and playoff chances seem slim, fans should still be optimistic for the future. The young stars on the Lakers look hungrier than ever before and are playing extremely high-quality basketball. Last night’s win serves as a perfect example of this. Seven Lakers scored in double figures last night and five of them were the young guns.

First, let’s take a look at the young Lakers who may not be present in the future – Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle. For the first time in the last three years, both players are coming off the bench.

After being “frustrated” for being benched early in the season, Randle has finally seemed to find his true place on the roster. He is playing eight fewer minutes but is averaging nearly the same amount of points and two fewer rebounds while shooting much better than last season. As for Clarkson, he is continuing to show why he deserves to be the Sixth Man of the Year.

Julius and Jordan combined for 46 points while shooting an extraordinary 60 percent from the floor. Randle also led the team in scoring by recording his season-high 24 points. Clarkson also chipped in 18 which is exceptional considering he did not make any three-pointers.

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