Lakers’ Jordan Clarkson Approves Of The Russell Pick

Fresh off the NBA Draft, Los Angeles Lakers selected D’Angelo Russell No. 2 overall. Fans erupted with joy as Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement. Laker fans are overjoyed at the superstar potential of Russell. The 6-foot-5 PG/SG guard out of Ohio State, according to NBA experts, has the “It” factor to become a great player.

Not to be lost in the limelight is All-Rookie first-teamer Jordan Clarkson. The 22-year-old combo had an incredible first year as a pro. The 46^th overall pick in the 2014 draft made the most out of his opportunity on the court. In 38 games as a starter he averaged 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. According to Byron Scott, Clarkson was a “diamond in the rough.” An accurate description.

Bleacher Report’s Jared Zwerling caught up with Clarkson and asked him about the Lakers’ pick. JC is absolutely on board with it. I have to say so do I. The second I heard Russell’s name called, I immediately thought to myself at the possibility of Clarkson and Russell running the backcourt. Both are similar in size, speed, explosiveness, scoring and creating for their teammates. Clarkson echoed my thoughts to Zwerling.

How could you not be excited for both these young prospects on the same court. Clarkson has drawn comparisons to Russell Westbrook and Russell to Stephen Curry. That might be an exaggeration but both players possess similar traits that will be needed to contend in a loaded guard-driven Western Conference. Not to mention, it will lessen the workload of returning superstar Kobe Bryant who is virtually on his last legs.

Bryant is looking to pass the torch to the next star to carry the franchise. He will have two viable options in Clarkson and Russell. Bryant shifting to the three spot may be in his best interest, as he wouldn’t have to guard the quicker guards. At 36 years old Bryant is still crafty and smart enough to score from the small forward position. He’ll see the floor better from the three-point line. Bryant is actually more comfortable posting up which would space the floor for his teammates and/or create cutting lanes.

Both Clarkson and Russell can play off the ball as well for Bryant to pick the best option. Both combo guards are fearless in going to basket and are willing to dish the ball to the open man. We can all agree that Kobe can’t and should not carry the load for the team. As these two players continue to learn to play together they will build chemistry that will benefit the team moving forward.

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The return of Julius Randle to the lineup just adds another piece to the puzzle for these two young players. Reports say that Randle is looking very good in workouts and should be a force down low for the Lakers who were ranked at the bottom in points in the paint. The Lakers have enough space to bring a solid veteran big man to team. Another weapon for Russell and Clarkson to utilize at their disposal. They can choose from LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, DeAndre Jordan, Greg Monroe or Brook Lopez. Free Agency begins July 1.

Summer League is the first chance we get a taste of the new backcourt tandem of Russell and Clarkson. The duo will be accompanied by Randle, Tarik Black, Jabari Brown, rookies Larry Nance Jr, Anthony Brown and undrafted shot blocking rookie Robert Upshaw in Summer League.

Summer League begins July 10 and runs through July 20.

Next: Lakers Have Their Diamond In D'Angelo Russell