D’Angelo Russell and the Lakers finally having a point guard with high upside has been the hot topic in Laker land the past couple weeks. The only mention of Jordan Clarkson has been as a second fiddle to Russell in the backcourt even though the 6-foot-5 guard earned All-Rookie First Team honors. He made sure to remind Laker fans what he brought to the table last season in the Lakers’ first Las Vegas Summer League game against Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves.
Clarkson’s versatility as a combo guard was on full display this game. He soared in for the putback dunk off of Larry Nance Jr.’s miss late in the first quarter.
And as Zach LaVine led the Timberwolves in their second-half run, Clarkson rallied the Lakers — catching the ball in transition, crossing up Lavine, and putting down the two-handed slam.
And he capped off his impressive third-quarter performance with a sweet floater in the lane after splitting a pick-and-roll and absorbing contact in the air.
Look out for Clarkson to really break out next season playing an up-tempo pace and playing alongside Russell.
[reddit]
