Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson had his worst statistical outing since becoming a starter in Sunday night’s blowout loss to the Clippers. Clarkson scored only two points on 1-6 from the field and was clearly bothered by the Clippers blitzing him on pick and rolls.
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Thankfully for Clarkson, he got the opportunity to immediately redeem himself against Chris Paul and the Clippers and he made good on that chance with a 20 point, six assist performance in the Lakers 105-100 loss. Afterwards, Paul praised the Lakers rookie according to Shahan Ahmed of NBC Los Angeles:
Chris Paul on @JClark5on : "He can really play. I've known him since Missouri…and I think he's going to continue to get better."
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) April 8, 2015
Clarkson was much more aggressive and in control the second time around against the Clippers and was able to beat Paul and attack the basket on a number of occasions. The reigning Rookie of the Month looked much more the part of the promising rookie he has looked since being named a starter and he has been getting the attention of plenty of opponents.
In a season full of downs, Clarkson has been the biggest bright spot for the Lakers and is one of the team’s best young prospects in a long time. With Julius Randle set to return next season, Clarkson looks to be one of the future building blocks of a Lakers franchise trying to turn things around as quickly as possible.
[divide]Byron Scott Calls Chris Paul Best Leader & Point Guard In NBA