Lakers News: Jordan Clarkson Not Bothered By New Bench Role

Trevor Lane
3 Min Read

At this point, there is no doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers got a steal when they bought the 46th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft from the Washington Wizards for $1.8 million. The pick was used to select Missouri guard Jordan Clarkson, who has gone on to become an integral part of a rebuilding Lakers team.

In his rookie season, Clarkson played most of his minutes at point guard and then had to shift to shooting guard during his sophomore campaign to make way for the arrival of 2015 second overall pick D’Angelo Russell. The Lakers committed four years and $50 million to Clarkson this offseason, but it appears that his role is shifting once again. Clarkson started every game he played in last season, but new coach Luke Walton is asking him to become the team’s sixth man this year. To his credit, Clarkson hasn’t complained about his new challenge, as reported by Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times:

“Probably the biggest thing I can do is try to help us get wins. I’m comfortable with the role I’m in. I’m getting starter minutes, so it’s a good process for me. It’s a little different, but … to me it’s just, I’m helping another unit. Just helping the team, to be honest with you.”

Walton’s attempt to turn Clarkson isn’t all that surprising, even if it was a bit jarring initially. His skill set, which involves slithering to the basket off the dribble and an improving three-point shot, makes him an ideal change-of-pace guard. That, combined with the fact that he and Russell aren’t quite a natural fit together on the court, suggests that Walton is making the right decision. Clarkson’s impressive play in the Lakers’ season-opening win against the Houston Rockets also backs up this point.

As much as we deify superstars, basketball is still a five-man sport, and how all the pieces fit together is crucial. As Clarkson mentioned, he is still playing as many minutes as a starter, which means that the move isn’t as much of a demotion as it appears to be at first glance. If coming off the bench improves the team’s chemistry while allowing him to perform at his optimal level then it’s a win for all parties.

Trevor Lane is a longtime NBA and Los Angeles Lakers fan who had the good fortune to grow up during the glory days of the Showtime Lakers, when Magic Johnson, Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and the rest ruled the Great Western Forum. He has written about basketball, soccer, fantasy sports, MMA, and even pro wrestling over the course of his career, but the spectacle that is the Lakers is his true passion. He made the leap into podcasting for Lakers Nation and provides voice-over analysis for our YouTube channel. With a who's who of stars gracing the Lakers lineup over the years, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Pau Gasol, and many others, the Lakers always provide plenty to talk about. When he isn't writing or recording, Trevor can be found spending time with his wife and daughter or on the sidelines for one of the youth teams he coaches. Outside of the Lakers, Trevor is a supporter of the LA Galaxy, US Soccer, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Contact: trevor@mediumlargela.com
Exit mobile version