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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 positive takeaways from first quarter of season

By Kenneth Teape

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 22: The Los Angeles Lakers stand with locked arms during the National Anthem prior to the start of their NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 22, 2017 in Sacramento, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 22: The Los Angeles Lakers stand with locked arms during the National Anthem prior to the start of their NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 22, 2017 in Sacramento, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: To trade or keep Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 3: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with teammate Julius Randle #30 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on November 3, 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Bench Brigade

The Los Angeles Lakers bench has been outstanding to begin the season. The bench has provided numerous great performances, keeping the team in the game on multiple occasions when the starters have struggled.

The one consistent off the bench this season has been Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson has embraced the sixth man role and ran with it. He is averaging the fewest minutes per game of his career, but having arguably his best season in the NBA. Clarkson is averaging 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 0.7 steals per game.

Clarkson’s partner in crime off the bench is Julius Randle. To start the season Randle looked like he was quickly playing his way out of the rotation. Randle looked uninterested the first two games of the season, putting forth minimal effort and playing poorly. Something clicked for Randle after that, as he has picked things up and looked great since.

Randle has embraced his role as the backup center. He is providing energy and hustle off the bench and like Clarkson is having arguably his best season despite fewer minutes. Randle is having his most efficient season offensively, shooting 55.5 percent from the field and averaging 12.5 points per game. He is adding 6.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and a career-high 0.9 blocks per game.

Randle has become a solid rim protector for the Lakers when they play small ball, embracing the challenge defensively against bigger opponents.

In addition to Clarkson and Randle, Kuzma has also been stellar when coming off the bench. Corey Brewer has provided solid minutes as well as the four main bench players for the Lakers. Los Angeles leads the NBA with 47.1 points per game from their bench.

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