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Lakers rumors: Five reasons to start Jordan Clarkson at point guard

By Keith Rivas

Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) reacts against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center.Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) reacts against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center.Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) and Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) speak in the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. The Lakers won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) and Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) speak in the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. The Lakers won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Lakers need scorers, not passers

While Los Angeles didn’t see their season reach the playoffs, their next campaign could look much different. A lot of that hinges on the type of offense they play, which should use more scoring than anything else.

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Ball movement and facilitation are important as well, but if that becomes the focus instead of getting shooters their shots, it won’t pan out too well.

Especially when you consider the type of young core that they’ve got already.

Although not with the team anymore, Lou Williams led the team in scoring with 18.6 points per game. D’Angelo Russell was second overall with 15.6, while Clarkson put in 14.7.

Without Williams, Russell will need to fill that gap of being and remaining the top scorer in the game. That will likely come at a position swap that’s been in rumors for a while now, with the former lottery pick switching to shooting guard.

It’s a transition that’s just the opposite of another star in the league in James Harden. After one season running the point with Houston, the swap was enough for Harden’s game to get MVP consideration.

Not that it’ll happen to Russell right away, but letting Clarkson handle the point to get Russell better shots matters.

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