Jordan Clarkson is a gym rat. Earlier this season, he actually showed up to the Lakers’ practice facility to get a workout in only to discover there was a D-Fenders game going on. Dude just lives in the gym. We got another glimpse of that this week when he took some time after an off-season session to talk about his continued efforts to improve his game and his future with the Lakers. From TWC Sportsnet:
First off, while he is a restricted free agent, Clarkson is talking almost as if it’s a given he will be back with the Lakers next year. We have gone over the details of his free agency more than once and how the Lakers really would need to outright not want him back for him to escape, but to hear Clarkson say how much he wants to be back is good to hear. Hopefully that not only translates to clean and easy negotiations, but the type of timing on a contract which can most help the Lakers maximize their cap space.
Second, as the studio crew discussed, Clarkson looks incredibly fit and has clearly added some muscle to his frame. His upper body looks more sculpted and he looks strong. How that translates to the court remains to be seen, but Clarkson already had a nice blend of speed and power to keep defenders off balance and added strength and size should only help — especially if his quickness is not sacrificed. Going up against SG’s more consistently, Clarkson can use the extra weight as well, if only to better fight through screens off the ball and to battle his man both in the post and when defending off the dribble.
Beyond the weight work, Clarkson also says he’s working hard on improving his 3-point shot. Clarkson already made huge strides from behind the arc this past season, raising his percentage from 31.4% his rookie season to 34.7% last year. Becoming a league average shooter from distance is huge for him, but if he’s really going to be deemed a “threat” from distance, pushing his accuracy into the upper 30’s is a must. Who knows if he can get there, but it starts by putting the work in and history says he will be more than willing to do that.
That said, I wish Clarkson (and the studio crew as well) would have mentioned, even if only briefly, the need for Clarkson to continue to improve his playmaking and passing this summer. While the steep decline in Clarkson’s assist rate can be attributed to him not playing as much point guard, it was also reflective of him putting a greater emphasis on creating his own shot rather than looking to create for others. When you consider his usage stayed the same from his rookie season while his assist rate fell as much as it did, it’s simple math that he was shooting much more frequently last year.
While Luke Walton undoubtedly wants Clarkson attacking, there still needs to be a balance between going after his own and looking to involve his teammates. Not to mention, if the Lakers really are going to run some of the same actions the Warriors run, there will be an emphasis on making quick reads and moving the ball on quickly via the pass in order to keep the flow of the offense going. Clarkson, as much as any returning Laker, will need to find a way to strike that right balance.
All that being said, it’s really good to see Clarkson back in the gym and clearly working hard. If he can come back with an improved physique (which looks like a given) and a more consistently accurate outside shot, it will only help the rest of his game flourish. Then, if he can make similar strides defensively…watch out.
Joseph Lawson says
Good article until we’re talking about his playmaking. If we really want to talk about Jordan Clarkson and improving a facet of his game, I’d say it’s his matador defense that needs the most work. The playmaking will still be there, that doesn’t go away. Yes he didn’t playmake as much this past season, but you have to ask, what was the role that Byron laid out for him? If his role was to score, to shoot and do as he did, then why fault him for it? Maybe playmaking could use some improvement but between Russell being the primary ball handler between the 2, Kobe being Kobe, Lou Williams also being the primary ballhandler, there isn’t much area for Clarkson to be a playmaker. Defense though, defense was his sinkhole. Lets talk about improving his defense before anything else
Ovid Mercene says
Jordan Clarkson is a talent that should not be wasted. He has shown his loyalty not only to the game but for the franchise who drafted him.It would be a sad day for Laker Nation if we loose him. He is a humble person , a hard worker, a good team mate and loyal to Puple and Gold
Michael says
I still wonder about his attitude toward defense. Last season his defense was worse than his rookie campaign. Having a season under his belt, he would have been a bit more savvy on how to fight through screens, or how to hedge better, communicate, etcetera. So are we going to witness another immature perception from Clarkson like “I don’t need to defend you because I can outscore you”?
Ryan Smith says
Clarkson defensive improvement Is what I want above all else, his jumper is respectable and his play making is fine I just think when Russell is asked to run the floor Clarkson was tasked with less playmaking responsibility. It’s not a matter of if but when and how much when Clarkson will be a laker. A contract that suits him IMO is 4/48, Clarkson has made great strides but this has just been his second year he has yet to truly proved he deserves BIG money, with that being said desperate team might force us to match a 4/64 which is fine but we’d definitely be over paying him.
macster says
Good article, and I that things work out between he and the Lakers. He is a class act, a great teammate and works on self improvement. I don’t think that he will ever hit his ceiling, because he will keep moving the bar. The young man appears to be hungry in the sense that he wants to be the best. Yes, I think that secretly his goal is to be better than K24.
M~
LakerRico says
He has to put defense as his priority if he even wants to be mentioned in the same breath as KB
bluehill says
JC has a good attitude and seems willing to put the time in. With some proper coaching, he’ll get better.
Sixers open to trading Okafor and Noel. Wonder what that means in terms of their 1st pick. Seems like they are leaning Simmons.
This draft is going to be interesting because their are a few teams with a multiple picks so wouldn’t be surprised if there is going to be some trading going on. I think there are some mediocre teams that may be thinking about a reboot. Houston could be one. Bulls another. Memphis too. It will be interesting to see what the Spurs do. They need to get younger. Clippers’ window is closing fast, but they probably keep the group together for another year.
Maybe this gives the Lakers some opportunities to pick up some vets relatively cheaply or engineer something more exciting. I think the hybrid approach is the practical one. Be open to all options but be willing to pass on ones that don’t fit within a long-term plan.
Comrade says
On a random note, I love the experience that Luke is getting being down in a playoff series like this. It’s one thing to coach guys coasting through the regular season, but completely different with your back against the wall, down 3-1 in the west finals. Basketball is such a mental game, and I think this will be an experience he draws from next season when these young lakers find themselves on the wrong end of a losing streak, he’ll be able to motivate them in a way that Byron could not.
Warren Wee Lim says
Last season, everything was worse under Byron.
Alex says
Jordan’s quote specifically talked about the work he was doing *on offense*. He was told during his exit interview to work on D, and he’s known to listen and work hard, so I assume he is. I expect him to return next season with better D, evidenced in personal and team improvement.
Mid-Wilshire says
I believe that the heights that Jordan Clarkson can attain in his NBA career will be directly tied to his growth as a defensive player. For that reason, I would say that the new coaching staff should have an enormous impact on his long term future in this league. (The same thing applies to DeAngelo Russell and Julius Randle.)
If Jordan is receptive to their coaching, as I would expect him to be, then his real growth as a complete player will begin on July 1, 2016. He has the athletic ability to be a lock-down defender…but not the mind set. At least, not yet. He needs effective tutoring in the worst possible way. Obviously, he did not get that from the previous coaching staff. But with a new coaching staff, a new system, a new approach, and some new players at important positions, expectations could be very different for him.
In any event, if the Lakers do not sign a big-time wing player, I fully expect JC to lead the team in minutes played and very possibly in scoring next year. He needs to improve his 3-point shooting and learn to absorb contact and get to the line more often. If he does that, I easily see him averaging 18 ppg. That might not be a stretch.
Next year, Clarkson, Russell, and Randle will be much more familiar with each other’s games. That should help them share the ball much more easily and anticipate where the others will be at all times.
That itself should result in improved play. Next season should be very interesting.
Mid-Wilshire says
Slightly off topic, Demar DeRozan has apparently gone on record as saying that he intends to stay in Toronto. I am not surprised. Here’s the link:
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15790551/demar-derozan-says-wants-return-toronto-raptors
John Citizen says
I got some intuition that Mitch will go with Bender.
A Horse With No Name says
Jordan is going to agree to a fair contract for himself and the lakers. They love him, as they should. Jordan is our combo/backup point/2, sixth man. As many have pointed out, he is a bit undersized to be the starting 2. We need the highly coveted and somewhat scare 6’6″ plus two-way 2 guard prototype to start with D’Angelo. Sam Presti built his emerging juggernaut to have positional size advantages up and down the roster. Brilliant! Right? Not really; just smart and knowing your basketball history. The eighties lakers: Byron 6’4″, Magic 6’9″, Worthy 6’9″, Mychal Thompson 6’10” Kareem 7’2″. The other great team of that transcendent period, the Celtics: Dennis Johnson 6’4″, Ainge 6’5″, Bird 6’9″, McHale 6’10” with 7’4″ wings, Parish 7′. Size matters, BIG time, Ha!
Mid-W: Good news on DeRozan. I have been adamantly opposed to a max signing for a very good but not great guy who’s a poor fit in the new offense.
Baylor Fan says
Kobe appears to have been a strong role model for keeping fit during the off-season and improving your game. Clarkson’s defense and passing will improve with better team offensive and defensive sets.
matt says
Michael Beasley played for the rockets for 3 monthes had good stats i didnt see him play though, free agent i believe
Alex says
Matt – I don’t think putting Beasley in the same locker room with DAR and the youngsters is a good idea.
Mid-Wilshire says
Today Bismack Biyombo (is there a greater name in sports?) declined his option with the Toronto Raptors. He would have made $2.9 Million next year if he had picked it up. Instead, as a Free Agent, he’ll make…well, more.
Kurt Helin estimates that he could be signing a multi-year contract for $15-17 Million per year. Here’s the link:
http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/05/28/report-in-surprise-to-nobody-bismack-biyombo-will-decline-option-become-free-agent/
Chibi says
A good passing big man out there is Dwight…Powell. RFA Dallas Mavs.
A Horse with no name says
Mid-W: I expect the lakers to tender an offer to Bismarck in the range Kurt is suggesting–and I think the lakers chances of signing him will be greater than signing Whiteside. At 23, he is still a very young big who has the tools to improve. More upside and better health than Ezeli.
J C says
4 for 48 is max I’d go for Clarkson.
He’s got a great attitude but undersized for a starting 2 on a winning team. So I think he’s a 6th man – but where does that leave L Williams?
Derozan may be posturing saying he prefers Toronto. But I’m ok without him. Definitely a nice talent but Luke’s gonna want guys who can shoot the 3. That’s not Derozan.
I’d keep the pick, draft Ingram and start him in the backcourt with Russell until he fills out and bring Clarkson and Williams off the bench.
I’d make Batum a priority for my 3. He can pass and make plays. That will suit Luke.
Randle at the 4 and Biyambo or Ezeli at the 5.
Russell
Ingram
Batum
Randle
Biyambo / Ezeli
Clarkson, Wiiliams, Nance off bench.
Sacre selling popcorn and cotton candy.
kevin_ says
Bismack has shown the ability to play solid d and rebound, but everybody is not built to play in LA. I don’t know with the money and expectations that will come along with it if he will thrive the way fans will expect him to. Unless you are a complete game changer Lakers shouldn’t pay that money. No player that’s a liabilty from the line should get $15 per imo. Pass
Same with Whiteside, Lakers had their chance and passed. Pass
Keep the young core together and build together through the draft. Simmons, Ingram, Hield or Bender. Whoever the Lakers choose is fine with me.
The only players Lakers should throw crazy money are proven in their prime stars. Players that are darn near unobtainable. Cousins, Drummond, Beal and of course Durant. If not keep the flexibility for a mid season steal from a desperate team.
Fern says
No word on improving his defense huh? Thats where he really needs to put a lot of work in. Im still happy the kids are putting the work in the offseason.
Chris J says
They’re going to go home and kick a lot of pigs on the farms in OKC tonight. They let that one go, and Thompson was out of this world.
Fern says
Thompson was insane and brought them back and Curry hit the daggers. That was a great win for GS and a choke job for OKC because they choked hard. They choked this game and the series away.
LKK says
GSW outscored OKC 63-9 from beyond the arc. Incredible.
Warren Wee Lim says
John Citizen May 28, 2016 at 12:23 pm
I got some intuition that Mitch will go with Bender.
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Oh Lord.
Anonymous says
GSW outscored OKC 63-9 from beyond the arc. Incredible.
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Which is why there is a risk with ending up with Simmons and signing Biyombo. That would give the Lakers three starters (along with Randle) who have no range. With 3pt shooting on the rise across the NBA, the Lakers would be on the wrong side of that stat most evenings. Hard to win trading 2 points for three on most possessions.
Craig W. says
What was max money last year will be mid-level money next year. Keep that in mind when you talk about what a player is worth. I am talking directly about Bismack Biyombo. $15M may be exactly what you will have to pay for an active, defense first (and perhaps only) center from now on.
We need someone who compliments our team and fills real holes. Let’s not get all hot under the collar because we are paying them much more than we would last year. That is the reality going forward – not just for next year. We will not get someone who can come in and play center for us in the draft, so we will pay more or we will not get anyone. Which do you prefer?
Lou says
Craig W. – I agree with you 100%. I think he is the best that we can expect to get and is worth the price.
Warren – Mitch went personally to Isreal to check him out. That says Bender is in the mix. Seems more of a risk but with a possibly bigger up side.
Mid-Wilshire says
I’m actually warming to the idea of the Lakers pursuing Biyombo.
My preference would be Whiteside. But there’ll be a dozen teams pursuing him (including the Lakers) and the chances of our nabbing him might be slim.
It might be a good idea to pursue Biyombo right out of the gates and sneak him away from everyone else. Also, I like his age. He’s 23; he’ll turn 24 on August 28th. He could fit in very well with the kids.
If the Lakers were to get him, that would probably make them the youngest team in the league (depending upon what happens in free agency).
Personally, I’m fine with that. But that would definitely mean that the Lakers would be taking a long-term, gradual approach to rebuilding the team.
Clay Bertrand says
Lou,
“Mitch went personally to Isreal to check him out. That says Bender is in the mix.”
________________________________________________
Two words: DUE DILIGENCE. I honestly think that the Lakers top 3 would be Ingram-Simmons-Dunn. I’m willing to bet Mitch saw less than 15 minutes of live game time from Bender while visiting Israel. Scout him a little for yourself and compare him and his upside to Ingram and even Simmons.
John Citizen, please set aside your “intuition” and watch some Bender games then get back to us with your evaluation. I think you’ll be disappointed in what you see.
Mid, I agree on Biyombo being a smarter play perhaps than Whiteside. My biggest concern is his numbers away from home. Aside from that, Biyombo is SELFLESS especially relative to Whiteside. Biyombo is comfortably knowing and accepting of his limitations and it results in his having a very workmanlike approach to his game.
PROS:
1.) He has no problem revving up and playing a supporting role.
2.) He has better overall mobility than Ezeli or Whiteside as well IMO (tho less length).
3.) He embraces the supporting role of REBOUNDING, ROLLING TO THE RIM, PnR DEFENSE, & RIM PROTECTION.
4.) His usage rate is Zilcho.
5.) He isn’t asking for more touches or trying to play a post game at all.
6.) His body proportions and build seem to be the type to lend themselves to a less injury prone career compared to Whiteside and Ezeli who have both already experienced knee issues at their young ages.
7.) Though his offensive game appears to have hit his ceiling, his young age (assuming his age is accurate–African Birth Certificates for these guys are often IFFY) certainly leaves the door open for potential growth and development (albeit possibly minimal) going forward.
8.) Any Free Throw shooting concerns likely will be somewhat alleviated when the league acts to change the rules surrounding the HACK A WHOEVER for next season.
9.) Although he has been a back up all year, his projected numbers per 40 min are very good and his motor can very likely make those numbers a reality with the requisite minutes.
10.) He isn’t a head case and seems to be a soldier like performer who eats up the dirty work.
MY Main Caveats with Biyombo are………
CONS:
1.) The Sticker Shock (even MORE CRAZY for a guy whose value is being super inflated by A COUPLE OF VERY RECENT GAMES IN ONE PLAYOFF SERIES).
2.) The fact that his numbers away from home are not the same as home games.
3.) Limited experience as a starter.
As suggested, Biyombo may well be an easier get for the Lakers especially if they move early to sign him. I’d favor pursuing him.
ALL of that said however, I have a feeling the Lakers will look elsewhere for a 5. I’d really favor Biyombo over Ezeli. I hope they don’t feel they have to get Ezeli just because of the Luke connection—but I fear that they will look that direction under that logic.
CHECK OUT THESE TWO (there is decent scouting tape on both):
My Draft Darkhorse: Pascal Siakam from New Mexico State. This guy could be Biyombo with more offensive polish and potential. I believe he is a legit 6’10” and his game is Biyomboesque with a little more offense than pure defense. His PER was really good this last year and he comes from the WAC so its a small conference etc. meaning this guy likely goes mid to late 2nd round. But his name is getting more well known as the draft approaches.
My Draft Darkhorse #2: Kay Felder – Oakland. This guy is SO Isaiah Thomas 3.0 (hes a total clone of the Celtics version of IT!!!!!!!!) that they actually splice Thomas highlights in with Felder’s and they are almost identical!!! Guy could REALLY push the pace in a Space and Pace offense, he can distribute, and he shoots the lights out with range. If his defensive deficiencies as a 5’9″-5’10” guy can be scheme minimized, this guy is a BALLER!!!! Also a mid to late 2nd rounder most likely.
***Both of my Darkhorses would require likely trading for an additional lower 2nd round pick or potentially really reaching at 32. Siakam is POSSIBLE at 32 but it seems a stretch IMO.
Todd says
ESPN’s Future Rankings are up. Warriors #1 and Cavs #2. Surprising, the Celtics are #3 on strength of young core, draft picks, solid coach and FO.
The Lakers were #24, after ranking #26 last year. They were dinged on the lack of confidence in the FO making the right decisions with cap space and personnel decisions. Of the kids, they did mention liking Russell.
That’s what it’s like coming off of three horrific years. No one will give you the benefit of the doubt. We’ve got a lot to prove before we’re taken seriously again.
Craig W. says
I really am not worried about what the ‘talking heads’ at ESPN are saying. The value of their opinions is well documented over the years.
I have had concerns with the front office – primarily with what they do say, not what they don’t comment on – but their ability to evaluate college talent has been pretty consistently near the top of the league over the last few years.
I sure hope they look at not only what will move the Lakers forward, but what is reasonably possible. I would much rather make an early push to sign Bismack Biyombo, than to stand in line for a decision from Whiteside. The odds favor us and an earlier signing will make follow-on signings both more predictable and easier – shooters would be encouraged that the team already has a defensive center if their own defense isn’t top shelf.
Kevin_ says
While durable and bringing things to the table no other player on the Lakers can. It’s a different ballgame playing for a premier franchise and playing starters minutes. Biyombo can be a difference maker he did so against Miami, mainly after Whiteside went down, and versus a smaller cavs frontcourt. Lakers need sure things at this point they have sold enough hope the last 5 years. He doesn’t take the Lakers out the bottom 8 in the West.
Gary says
but their ability to evaluate college talent has been pretty consistently near the top of the league over the last few years.
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The Timberwolves have had the best drafts these last two years by getting truly foundational players each year. I think the Lakers are several levels below that. They’ve made progress and haven’t hurt themselves but also weren’t able to select players that would remove doubt about the future.
Randle was a solid pick at #7. Right now he’s one dimensional — let’s see if he expands his game. Yes, Clarkson was a steal — that was definitely an A. Porzingis looks like the higher upside pick from where the Lakers were drafting last year. However, Russell should be very solid, although I think he was the safer pick. So yes, I would say the Lakers haven’t missed on those picks at all.
Nance has a ceiling as a 23 year old rookie, but at least he’s a rotation player at this point for the talent depleted Lakers. Brown is an unknown and that’s not good for a 22 year old rookie.
Above average but not spectacular is how I would rate the FOs drafts these last two years.
Todd says
In 20 post season games (this year) Biyombo averaged 9.4 PPG and 6.2 RPG. Yes, he was spectacular in two games against the Cavs. Those aren’t stats that I’d pay $ 20 mil a year for which might be what the market dictates this off season. I’d pass.
I’d rather have Nance start at the Five. At least he can hit a 17 foot jumper.
A Horse with no name says
Gary: The lottery gods gifted the T-wolves Towns, and LeBron sent them Wiggins. What on earth does garnering those players have to do with top-level scouting? Zip.
Clarkson is seriously outperforming his draft position. There wasn’t a better pick at 7 than Randle (please tell me who was better?). Whether or not Porzingis has a higher ceiling than Russell is very much an open question. Yes, Russell was the safer pick but also the smartest pick, as Porzingis was too much of an unknown and the lakers are in desperate need of certain talent. The real genius of the Russell pick was going against the prevailing wisdom and passing on Okafor–that’s high level talent evaluation. Yeah , Nance is a very solid pick, Brown hasn’t shown much–so? Anyone better you can point to that was drafted after theses guys?
Craig called the laker scouting high level, and you’ve said nothing to suggest otherwise. Craig never said the laker drafts were spectacular — that’s your straw man so that you can label their drafts as above average. Great.
A Horse with no name says
Clay: Good post @ 1:17.
I like your pick of Pascal Siakam. He measured a tad under 6’9″ in bare feet with a 7’3″ wingspan. He weighed 226 lbs at the nba combine. He is considered a 4 rather than a 5. Not sure if he has the ballast to play center in the nba. But I would love picking him with the 32nd pick as he has a big upside: athletic , mobile, pretty good offensive skills. He is considered a draft riser and could be gone by the time the lakers pick.
Gary says
Gary: The lottery gods gifted the T-wolves Towns, and LeBron sent them Wiggins. What on earth does garnering those players have to do with top-level scouting? Zip.
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The lottery gods gifted the Blazers Michael Jordan and Kevin Durant. They ended up with Sam Bowie and Greg Oden. I think you need to rethink your conclusion.
A Horse with no name says
Gary: That is a silly reply, worse than your fallacious argument. Please…
Gary says
Horse –
About the Lakers I said: They’ve made progress and haven’t hurt themselves but also weren’t able to select players that would remove doubt about the future.
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I stand by those comments.
rr says
I really am not worried about what the ‘talking heads’ at ESPN are saying. The value of their opinions is well documented over the years.
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ESPN’s NBA guys are not a monolith; they have guys ranging in style and content from Smith to Lowe. The low ranking is not a huge deal, but it does reflect that the Lakers have a long way to go. Also, given that you have spent the last three years insistently saying that the Lakers were in better shape than many or most people thought they were, you are not in a good position to be bagging on anyone, here or in the media, who was right where you have been wrong.
As to the draft: the Lakers would have Towns had they won the lottery last year, so I agree with Horse that Minnesota does not deserve any special credit for that. But WRT Wiggins, Minnesota had Kevin Love in the first place because they made a shrewd draft day move to trade OJ Mayo for him before Love had played a single game in the NBA.
As to Russell and Randle: picking Russell over Okafor was a move I backed simply because I think that Russell is more talented than Okafor is. I like Russell, and think that he can be an All-Star type player. Calling it genius at this point is, however, premature, and that is before we get into Porzingis, who was on the board when the FO chose Russell. I am sure that one of Horse’s counterpoints will be that his keen scouting eye has already foreseen Russell’s greatness, and if it goes that way, I will acknowledge it. But we are not there yet, and like Craig W, Horse has expressed some overly optimistic opinions about the Lakers and their players in the past.
WRT Randle, he was a safe pick at 7 and there are things to like about his game. However, Zach LaVine (13), Jusuf Nurkic (16), Rodney Hood (23), and Clint Capela (25) are all arguably as valuable if not more valuable than Randle is right now, and Dario Saric and Bruno Caboclo may someday come to the NBA and be impact guys.
So, while I have no problem with the Lakers’ recent lottery picks, I do not see that they have yet established either that they are going to be the foundation of a return to contention or that the choices were visionary picks that will save Jim Buss, and I think the ESPN ranking reflects those uncertainties.
A Horse with no name says
Gary @ 9:18 : Those comments are reasonable as stands alone comments. But you give the example of the T-Wolves , unlike the lakers, as a team who have nailed their drafts by getting foundational players, when in fact, all they’ve done is been really bad and lucked into the #1pick (Towns), and had the no-brainier gift wrapped Wiggins delivered to them, courtesy of LeBron. Then, according to your reasoning, the lakers drafting isn’t “spectacular” because they’ve failed to draft clear-cut “foundational players”, and thus aren’t demonstrating “high level talent evaluation”– Craig’s words that you high lighted and took issue with. The obvious very large hole in your argument is that you can only draft the players that are available to you. As I already said to you, can you name some names that the lakers missed on? And the bar isn’t even foundational players– anyone better? You can’t. So giving the lakers an above average grade on their drafting, rather than the “spectacular” bar you set up, (and Craig never claimed) because they failed to grab the non-existent foundational pick available to them, and thus did not remove doubt about their future makes perfect sense–right? I mean that’s a strong refutation of Craig’s assertion that the team has demonstrated high level college talent evaluation . . .
A Horse with no name says
rr: Fair remarks about the young players you cite. The only guy though, that might give me pause over Randle right now is Hood, who is showing big time talent and clutchness. LaVine is very erratic and shows a low bb IQ. I really like Nurkic but he is barely getting on the floor as a old school back to basket center. Capela is a specialist and limited offensively. I expect Saric to be a good but not great player in time because his strength and athleticism aren’t top level.
Altemawa says
Jordan Clarkson will improve this coming year, I can already see his desire/hard work to improve his game. I hope our coaches can bring in a good system that will require these young guys to improve their offense and be part of a very good team defense.
And I agree that JC really needs to improve his defense, as well as his 3pt shooting. He already has the athleticism to go to the rim and create his own shot, so he must focus on his defense to counter star PGs.
We should keep him because he’s a smart guy, classy one and has a very high upside provided he continues to practice and evolve his game year after year. He is an important part of this Lakers future.
@BrotherWalton - Twitter says
All great points, guys. I can see validity in all sides from the Lakers picks still having questions, up to the youth possessing very high ceilings. All I know is that the Lakers couldn’t have wished for a better three months after three years of being in the bottom of the barrell. While we wait for free agency and Luke to pack his office, it’s been good to see the young guys in the gym and excited about a new beginning. Buy-in starts right at this point. As the front office have gotten their hands on the right resources, we just have to wait for them to show some stability. As of late, Kupchak has told me everything I wanted to hear through pressers, including admitting that he doesn’t expect the team to turn around into a contender (even against Jim Buss’ promises). The best part about this free agency is how realistic the Lakers will have to be in their pursuit. Unlike the last few seasons where they chased LBJ, Melo, Aldridge, or D12, the team actually has a fighting chance to grab guys that’ll mesh well with the young core, but not devastate the future. Look forward to the team nabbing an unexpected high tier (not elite) guy and some professional veterans/role players. I feel like the one thing I want them to build before contending is a great locker-room. Looking at the team’s competing in the Finals, they are anchored by 2 or 3 of players from the draft. It’s no question that the Lakers need to follow suit and do the same. Here’s to a fun year with minimal expectation besides a base of continuity.
Cheers.
Chearn says
How smart would Clarkson be to brag about his off-season defensive progress? Why not catch the league by surprise?