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Lakers Season Opener: 5 Things To Watch For

By Keith Rivas

Oct 9, 2016; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and forward Nick Young (0) celebrate against the Denver Nuggets at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Lakers defeated the Nuggest 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and forward Nick Young (0) celebrate against the Denver Nuggets at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Lakers defeated the Nuggest 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Leadership opportunities for Jordan Clarkson

Apr 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) defends against Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) during the first half at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) defends against Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) during the first half at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

An iconic passing of the torch moment happening during the final regular season game for the Lakers a year ago.

While it was Kobe Bryant’s final game, one thing stood out more than his incredible 60-point performance.

During the closing moments against the Jazz, Bryant got a rebound before throwing it long distance to Jordan Clarkson for a slam dunk that sent a message.

It’s his time now.

Los Angeles may have D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and even Brandon Ingram to look forward to, but Clarkson needs to step up.

Kobe Bryant could easily be described as more of a distraction than anything else last year for this team, and now that he’s gone, they can really get to work.

Clarkson averaged 15 points and four rebounds per game last year — numbers that must improve for this team to truly compete.

Going up against the Rockets, Clarkson can again prove his explosiveness and also confirm that the Lakers front office made a good decision by re-signing him in the off-season.

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