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2016 NBA All-Star Weekend Picks

By Gabriel Gonzalez

Jan 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (left) moves the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (right) defends during the third quarter at Staples Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 117-113. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (left) moves the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (right) defends during the third quarter at Staples Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 117-113. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, And Julius Randle – All-Star Rookie Game

Jordan Clarkson was a gem for the Lakers last season and has been a key part of their re-building process.  His ability to play both guard positions makes him a vital asset as the back-court develops with rookie D’Angelo Russell.

Despite making the All-Rookie team last year, Clarkson was not chosen for the Rookie game at All-Star weekend last season in New York.

His emergence at the end of last year warrant an appearance in the event this year.  If chosen, Clarkson would end the Lakers three year drought from All-Star weekend.  The purple and gold have not had a participant since 2013 when Bryant and Dwight Howard represented the team.

While Russell has been finding his rhythm recently, he is likely to get lost in the candidates when looking at the pool of rookies and sophomores who are eligible.  Of the Lakers possible three entrants for the game, Russell is the most likely to be left off the roster due to his struggles and lack of play early in the season.

His recent career-best against the Sacramento Kings is the kind of spark he’ll need to make the roster.

Julius Randle has also been struggling since his good start to the season.  After sitting out last year to injury, Randle appeared intent on making up for lost time however recently has seen a dip in performance.

His good start puts him ahead of Russell—in my opinion—however, his off-court struggles threaten to keep him out of the event.

The reported discord with coach Byron Scott and move to the bench has had a visible effect on Randle’s morale.  If he is to make the squad, he will have to return to form in the next few games to remain on the coaches radar.

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