When Jordan Clarkson turned pro after his junior year at Missouri, many thought he could be a first-round pick. The 6-foot-5 guard has solid athleticism, though his game isn’t exceptionally refined. Most notably, he’s a poor perimeter shooter.
In the end, those concerns won out, and Clarkson slipped to the middle of the second round. There, the Lakers bought the No. 46 pick from the Wizards and selected Clarkson.
Now, Los Angeles is rewarding Clarkson with a contract.
Clarkson gives the Lakers 13 players, so they still have a couple open roster spots. With little chance of making the playoffs and nothing more to offer above minimum salaries, don’t expect anything major.
With only Jeremy Lin and the perpetually injured Steve Nash ahead of him at point guard, Clarkson has a chance to earn a role in the rotation. Maybe the Lakers use one of those two remaining roster spots on another player who can handle ball, just for a little insurance.