Being named to the All-Rookie First Team should have given Jordan Clarkson a free pass from participating the Los Angeles Lakers Summer League. But the flashy point guard will lead the squad to a good showing along with 2nd pick D'Angelo Russell and 2014 7th pick Julius Randle.
Journalist Mike Breshnahan tweeted the reason why Jordan Clarkson felt like he should show up for the event reserved for rookies, D-Leaguers, and other hopefuls.
"Jordan Clarkson told me he'll play on Lakers summer-league team even though he was All-Rookie last season. Why? Just wants to get better," he tweeted.
Last year, in 59 games, Jordan Clarkson averaged 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, when he was inserted into the starting lineup after the All-Star Weekend, he bumped his averages to 15.8 points, 5.0 assists and 4.2 rebounds.
"Despite an impressive start to his NBA career, one thing that seems to set Clarkson apart from other rookies in the past is his desire to improve," said Lakers Nation.
"The 23-year-old is determined to get better in all aspects of his game and will be looking to superstar teammate Kobe Bryant to help him make the next step over the summer."
In an essay for The Players Tribune, titled "My Rookie Year," Jordan Clarkson admitted that being picked very late in the draft has given him a chip on his shoulder.
"When the Lakers sent me down to the D-League, I didn't view it as a demotion. I accepted it as a challenge. Plus, it meant playing more minutes, which meant growth," he said.
The Los Angeles Lakers point guard also has some advice for the incoming rookies, like 2nd pick D'Angelo Russell, and even Julius Randle who was injured for most of last year, "If I could speak to the rookies who were just drafted - that was me a year ago - I'd tell them to have an open mind."
"Don't let other people's perceptions affect you too much. You're a work in progress, not a finished product."
