The LA Lakers are banking on their young core as the future of the franchise. While all eyes are on D'Angelo Russell, the other Lakers guard has quietly put in much work in the summer.
Jordan Clarkson had his predicted breakout season last season despite the various challenges and distractions that befell the young team. They had Coach Byron Scott's indecision and lack of direction, the Kobe Bryant farewell tour and even the drama between D'Angelo Russell and Nick Young.
Clarkson was the solid player both on and off the court as he displayed his work ethic in the summer. The Filipino-American guard was described by team site Silver Screen and Roll as "living in the gym." The fruits of his labor was shown in a series of videos.
While he has undergone strength training, his improved three-point shooting (if it does translate in the game) will make the biggest impact on the team. Obviously, he's not about to let his backcourt partner D'Angelo Russell outshine him.
Or any other guard for that matter. Zach LaVine has established himself as a household name when he won the Slam Dunk contest two consecutive years (the second one in classic fashion against 2014 Draft classmate Aaron Gordon). But more than just being a dunker, many pundits are predicting him to have a breakout season.
Few might remember that Clarkson, a lowly second round pick at 46th overall garnered first team All-Rookie honors in that illustrious 2014 class. Team site Lake Show Life compares him to LaVine and the jury's out on which one would be better in the coming season.
"Zach Lavine and Jordan Clarkson are extremely athletic, score first combo-guards, both of who are heading into their junior campaigns. This position is extremely tough to call either way. Clarkson and LaVine are two players with very similar strengths and weaknesses, which makes it very difficult to find a clear advantage anywhere," the article stated.
Eventually, LaVine was considered the better prospect because he is younger (LaVine being a "one and done" while Clarkson spent more time in college as he was unheralded). However, the Lakers would need Clarkson's contribution as a solid starting shooting guard-the position Kobe Bryant played the last 20 seasons.
Because of this golden opportunity and his work ethic, many believe that Clarkson, not LaVine could be the dark horse for the Most Improved Player plum.