Milwaukee Bucks Opposition Intel: Los Angeles Lakers Q&A With Cody Williams
By Adam McGee
Oct 8, 2015; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) talks with forward Julius Randle (30) before the game against the Toronto Raptors at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
AM: Do you feel the trio of Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell are good enough to play a major role in the franchise’s future, when they’re all eventually afforded the opportunity?
CW: Finally, something I get to answer positively! There is so much potential with that trio that I think that they could definitely the chance that the develop into the backbone of the Lakers in the future.
Russell has had his growing pains and little help from Scott in terms of getting consistent opportunities, but when he’s been given opportunities as of late, he shows flashes of pure brilliance at just 19 years old.
Likewise, Randle’s energy, aggressiveness and his feel for the game on the offensive end is incredible to watch progress. Both guys are going to have growing pains, will need to develop as defenders, and need to work on other parts of their game (Randle needs to develop his off-hand offensively, Russell needs to limit his sloppy possessions with the ball in his hands), but the potential is undeniable.
This isn’t the popular opinion among most Lakers fans, but I don’t think Clarkson is a future All-Star or anything of that sort. However, he could be an incredibly valuable asset for the franchise moving forward. With his ability to score and his jump shot already progressing from last season, the idea of Clarkson in a sixth man role as the young guys improve and better, more sensible pieces are put around them is incredibly enticing.
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