Jordan Clarkson kept it real about his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, saying the move helped him develop as a better player in his own right.
According to Heavy Sports, “I think it was best for all of us to just get away and we had to grow up in our different places,” Clarkson said. “You see D-Lo coming back, and now he is a grown man doing what he gotta do. It was good for all of us to go off and develop in our own right. You can see the results, I think it was awesome.”
Prior to LeBron James’ arrival in LA, the Lakers were in a rebuilding phase and had a stretch where the roster had young and dynamic players in the form of Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, and D’Angelo Russell. Clarkson was one of them.
He was traded, along with Larry Nance Jr., to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and a 2018 first-round draft pick. The guard was later traded to the Utah Jazz.
The proof of his growth can be seen in the numbers. In his four seasons with the Lakers, he averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. With the Jazz, he is propping 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
Clarkson referenced Russell, who was one of the players to return to the Lakers fold, and has been a vital cog in their shooting since. The point guard has been brilliant in the playoffs, averaging 15.4 points and 5.7 assists, giving superstars James and Anthony Davis ample support.
It’s good to see that the Jazz guard isn’t nursing any form of animosity, but rather uses the move to grow as a player. He has been Utah’s Mr. Reliable, and only time will tell if he can elevate his game to another level.
Jordan Clarkson Gets Real About Rumors Of A Lakers Reunion
As the playoffs inch to an end, the offseason rumor mills have already been churning and one of them is the possibility of Clarkson reuniting with the Lakers. A development that was reported even during the middle of the regular season last year.
“You know, for me, I know what it is—it’s the business,” Clarkson told Heavy Sports. “And, you know, I’ve been a part of this business for a long time now, I guess. Nine years, about to go on to 10 after this next. You know, I’m willing to, you know, do whatever is asked of me.”
Clarkson averaged 20.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 4.4 APG for the Jazz. He could be the leader of the second unit for LA, ensuring that he would be the point man for the team’s offense in the non-James and AD minutes. Given his style of play and his skillset, LA wouldn’t mind a second stint.
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