Jordan Clarkson: The Dilemma
By Keith Rivas
Jordan Clarkson Has To Stay
To give up on Jordan Clarkson, even if there were to be a conflict of interest between keeping him in town or further investing in D’Angelo Russell, would be beyond foolish.
Clarkson could easily mature in the next season or two to a super-star kind of level — you don’t find that kind of player just anywhere in the NBA.
Another thing that makes Jordan Clarkson special to the Lakers is his attitude. Always having his focus on the road ahead, trusting in Clarkson full on with the task at hand — a hopeful, eventual road to a title — would benefit the Lakers emotionally.
Looking at the downside of putting full faith in Clarkson, it’d mean one of two things for former Ohio State star.
First, he may have to embrace a bench role until further notice. Either Clarkson would have to slip up big time for the starting role to go to Russell or there’d have to be a big, lingering injury issue.
If I’m honest, it still seems that at this point in this new season, Clarkson is much more mature and prepared for the role of starter than Russell.
It’s nothing against Russell’s game — he can hoop — but if the front office wants results in the immediate future, the choice isn’t an easy one to make.
But it’s necessary.
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