Report: Jordan Clarkson to sign with Lakers before training camp
According to Eric Picnus of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to sign guard Jordan Clarkson prior to the beginning of training camp.
"Rookie guard Jordan Clarkson (46th overall pick in the draft) is expected to sign before training camp."
Drafted 46th overall, Clarkson drew heads during the Las Vegas Summer League tournament. An athletic guard out of the University of Missouri, Clarkson averaged 15.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in five Summer League games. Not only did he post solid numbers for a late second-round selection, Clarkson did it in an efficient manner shooting 42 percent from the field and 42 percent from behind the arch.
While the point guard spot is a bit crowded in LA, fans are optimistic Clarkson can positively impact the franchise immediately and for good reasons. For years, the Lakers have lacked athleticism at the lead guard spot while the league has grown there emphatically. Since 2008, the point guard position has risen with the likes of Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, and John Wall at the helm–Clarkson falls into that mold of combo guard who can pose as a point guard.
Where he lacks in talent, Clarkson makes up in athleticism and with Steve Nash’s body having failed him in back-to-back seasons, he could see floor time often this season.