Los Angeles Lakers: Mid-season grades for each player
Jordan Clarkson
There isn’t very much to say about Jordan Clarkson’s performance this season, he’s kind of just been Jordan Clarkson. He has performed exactly as well as you would expect him to be the offensive spark plug off the bench. In 22 minutes, Clarkson is averaging 13.7 points, 3 assists and 2.7 rebounds.
These numbers are along the lines of where he was last season, aside from him playing six fewer minutes per game, which is understandable with the addition of Lonzo Ball. If he continues at his current rate, Clarkson should be in the running for 6th man of the year come season’s end.
Grade: B
Larry Nance Jr
In similar fashion to Jordan Clarkson, there isn’t much to say about Larry Nance Jr.’s season. He’s kind of just been Larry Nance Jr. He has performed exactly as well as you would expect him too; being the guy who comes in to play good defense and grab rebounds, while occasionally putting someone on a poster. In fact, it is because of his monster dunk on Kevin Durant that he gets a B and not a B-, because why not.
Grade: B
Josh Hart
Little was known about rookie guard out of Villanova, Josh Hart, before the season, but he has been a pleasant surprise to Lakers fans. While his numbers do not directly show it, Hart has been a solid role player for the team, especially in games where Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was absent.
The most notable thing about Hart’s performance thus far is his defense. Hart is known as one of the strongest players on the roster, even at his smaller stature. With this in mind, it is not shocking that Hart has been able to defend most guards, and even bigger forwards, very effectively with little to no help.
On the offensive end of the floor, Hart has been just average. He is currently shooting 37% from three, which is right where you want a 3-and-D bench player such as himself to be. For his role on the team, Hart has been as good as you could expect from the rookie.
Grade: B-