Los Angeles Lakers: Which former young Laker will have the best career?
6. Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Clarkson was one of the best players on the young Los Angeles Lakers squad for some time simply because he was one of the only reliable offensive sources for a few years. The combo guard wound up being an excellent value in the second round for the Lakers despite him not playing meaningful minutes for the Lakers.
The Lakers were able to open cap space by shipping him to Cleveland along with Larry Nance Jr. for Isaiah Thomas. They used that cap for LeBron James (partially).
Now a member of the Utah Jazz, he will get a chance to play for a contender as an offensive option off the bench. Clarkson is averaging 15.6 points per game on 36.6 percent shooting from three. His defense still leaves a lot to be desired, but his ability to provide an offensive spark off the bench will suit a team like the Utah Jazz well.
5. Ivica Zubac
The Lakers sent Ivica Zubac to the Los Angeles Clippers for Mike Muscala last season in what was and still is a head-scratching move. Zubac has developed into one of the best defensive players in the NBA and is playing meaningful minutes for the rival Clippers. He currently ranks 25th in the NBA in D-PIPM.
Zubac has begun to develop a mid-range jumper that he did not exactly possess in his arsenal (a reliable one) when he was with the purple and gold. Zubac has also developed into an excellent rebounder, averaging 7.2 boards in just 18.1 minutes per game.
The offensive part of his game was always refined as a Laker, but he left some to be desired on the defensive end. It appears that that sentiment has changed, but it has also granted Zubac a more positive outlook.
With the Clippers, Zubac is not counted on for offense. Instead, he provides an excellent defensive paint presence to support Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Patrick Beverley on the perimeter.
The Clippers signed him to a pretty solid deal at an average annual value of $7 million for four years in length. He will be playing for the Los Angeles Clippers for the foreseeable future while continuing to develop his offensive game even further.