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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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Oct 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

It’ll help him prove he’s worth his contract

Los Angeles pulled him off the market last summer and signed him through the 2019-20 season — that’s saying something.

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For the Lakers to invest that amount of time into a guy like him, it’d be foolish for them not to make sure he can play it out. There’s no question he earned it, but are they really prepared to drop $12 million per year — $13 million in his final season of the deal — for a guy coming off the bench?

While he might still have a powerful impact as a sixth man, the Lakers need everything they can get out of him. Additionally, this gives him a chance to show more of what he’s capable of before the other point guards get a shot.

There’s a possibility that in two seasons the team could see their possible lottery pick from 2017 start, but they’re not there yet. D’Angelo Russell is going to be better off as a two guard, and that’s the most efficient way for the team to handle it.

If nothing else, he’ll be able to use a starting gig as a little bit of leverage when he next becomes a free agent, if he chooses to still play at that point in his career.

Everybody wins.

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