Jordan Clarkson 1st Laker To Earn Western Conference Rookie Of The Month

USA Today

It has been a very disappointing season for the Los Angeles Lakers. The storied franchise has struggled from the word go and hasn’t been able to bounce back with players dropping like flies with season-ending injuries.

Perhaps the most costly injury for the Lakers was rookie Julius Randle suffering a broken leg in the season-opener against the Houston Rockets. Randle leg injury ultimately ended his season and any hope the franchise would be able to turn the corner with an influx of younger talent.

Fortunately, fellow rookie Jordan Clarkson has caught attention of many in Los Angeles. The Missouri product has played much better than expected and has been nothing short of a steal for the Lakers thus far. Clarkson has been so impressive since becoming a starter for head coach Byron Scott that he’s set a milestone that took many by surprise.

According to a press release from the team, Clarkson is the first Laker to win Western Conference Player of the Month honors:

Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson has been named Kia NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in March, it was announced today, becoming the first ever Laker to be honored with the award (first presented in 1981-82).

Since becoming a starter for Coach Scott, Clarkson has far exceeded expectations and has become arguably the best player on the squad. During a 16-game stretch in March, Clarkson averaged 15.8 points per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the floor. The rookie also added 5.2 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game to his stats.

Although currently on a non-guaranteed deal with the Lakers, the 22-year-old has impressed the team’s front office and will almost certainly be retained for next season and will more than likely be in the franchise’s long-term plans.