With the Los Angeles Lakers now possessing one of the most promising young cores in the NBA, there is more of a sense of optimism surrounding this team than in previous years. This offseason saw the first of those young players sign with the team long-term as Jordan Clarkson inked a four-year deal to stay in L.A.
Clarkson, along with D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Brandon Ingram are expected to lead the Lakers back to relevancy in the NBA, and they will all do so under the tutelage of new head coach Luke Walton.
In an interview with Mike Pielluci of Vice Sports, Clarkson spoke about being excited about the group growing together:
“But Clarkson said that he’s just as eager to continue alongside Randle and Russell. They are cognizant of the mantle they’ve inherited. They often share dinners, envisioning the next great Lakers teams with themselves at the forefront of a revival. In a way, Walton is no different from them: Young in his profession, but nevertheless tasked with making his mark on a very crowded mural. “I’m excited just to see how we all grow together,” Clarkson said.”
At times Clarkson can be the forgotten member of the Lakers young nucleus. Most see Ingram and Russell as having the highest ceiling, and Randle’s unique combination of skills make him very intriguing as well.
That being said, Clarkson was arguably the most consistent player on the Lakers roster last season and is the team’s leading returning scorer this year. He improved a number of areas in his game last season, and it is no stretch to think he could do the same this year as well as he is constantly in the gym looking to improve.
Bringing the Lakers back to glory will certainly be a challenge, which Clarkson understands, but he and the rest of the Lakers have the talent, and if they can grow together and fulfill their potential the Lakers will be a team to watch for very soon.