Kobe Bryant talks to Jordan Clarkson while on the bench of the Lakers. (Photo : YouTube/ Ojay)
Jordan Clarkson was one of the key players last season for the LA Lakers. However, after having been moved to the bench by head coach Luke Walton this preseason, it seems like fans will see less of him on the court the coming games. Thus, NBA rumors regarding his possible departure from the team immediately proliferated online.
It cannot be denied that the performance of Clarkson last season was beyond what NBA and most LA fans were expecting. In retrospect, his performance last year was all worth it for the starter position. As what ESPN highlighted, Lakers' guard averaged 15.5 points complemented with 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 32.3 minutes per game; it is almost as if Clarkson's starting position has already been cemented for the next NBA season.
However, it seems like the efforts and contribution of team's version of the energizer bunny last season immediately faded away as most experts and commentaries focused on D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, or Brandon Ingram.
As early as the preseason, the trios are being pegged by experts and fans alike as the best young players of the Lakers. Thus, somehow ignoring the presence and potential of Clarkson inside the court. As a result of the hype and the so-called obvious favor to the aforementioned players, rumors are now circulating that Filipino-American NBA player will soon leave the Staples Center for good.
Most recent NBA trade rumors online point the direction towards the Cleveland Cavaliers. Clarkson would possibly be dealt for shooting guard J.R. Smith according to speculations. Aside from that, he could also find himself settling with the Philadelphia Sixers for either Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel.
Despite the showcasing of talent by the Fil-American Laker guard, it seems like the odds are not in favor for him. This seemingly unprecedented turn of events somehow begs the question on which department did Clarkson lack?
In one report, it states that "Clarkson has two strikes against him both of which are unfair." His four years stay in college and being drafted at the age of 22 instead of 19 and he being a second round pick may be the cause of the unfair treatment as what lakersnation pointed out.
But still, professional as he is, Jordan Clarkson does not make any immature and unprofessional comments about it. Instead, he just keeps his game do the talking. Up to now there is no sign or any confirmed NBA rumors of Clarkson leaving the franchise, especially after a hefty four-year $50 million re-sign contract. Guess we would just have to wait for the upcoming Lakers games and see whether there will be a change of heart in the LA Lakers coaching staff.
Watch here below Clarskon's scouting video:
