Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson, the 46th picked player by the Los Angeles Lakers last year, has become the squad's best player.
After languishing on the bench on his rookie year, Jordan Clarkson got an opportunity after the All-Star break after the Los Angeles Lakers, riddled by injuries, just about given up on the season.
Jordan Clarkson was named to the All-Rookie First Team after averaging 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists after the break for the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, Chanel Iman's boyfriend has increased his scoring average to 16.5 points although both his rebounds and dimes have dropped to 2.5 and 2.0, respectively.
"This season Jordan Clarkson has demonstrated all of the tools that he flashed last season, coupled with improved poise and control," Anthony Yassa wrote for Lake Show Life. "This ability to slow the game down and pick his spots has made Clarkson an even more deadly scorer."
He added, "In the pick and roll Clarkson is virtually unstoppable, utilizing an exceptional mid-range jumper, explosive drives, and deadly floaters. Clarkson has also developed into an underrated play maker, with the Lakers offense often looking its best when he is at the helm."
Fan site Silverscreen And Roll noted that Jordan Clarkson has remained the lone bright spot for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, along with the emergence of Julius Randle as a playmaker and the steady improvement of second pick, D'Angelo Russell.
"Clarkson's playing style and demeanor -- namely, not caring whatsoever about any perceived pecking order or seniority -- are perhaps the most heartening signs of progress for a team currently lacking any kind of discernible identity on either side of the floor," it said.
The article continued, "Though his usage rate of 20.6 percent is an unconscionably low fourth-highest on the team, Jordan actually attempts the second-most shots, while being responsible for a team-leading 29.9 percent of the Lakers' made field goals."
Kobe Bryant, meanwhile, has struggled as a small forward for the Los Angeles Lakers coming out of two major surgeries last year. In six games this year, the future hall of famer only averaged 16.5 points on a 32% shooting, along with 2.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
