The Los Angeles Lakers' 2014-2015 season has been an unmitigated disaster in multiple ways, starting with the season-ending injuries suffered by star Kobe Bryant and prized draft pick Julius Randle, and culminating in the team's inevitable lottery finish. One lone bright spot however, has been the play of rookie second round pick Jordan Clarkson.
The NBA has recognized Clarkson's impressive development as well, naming him the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in March. He is the first ever Laker to be honored with the award (first presented in 1981-82).
In 16 games in March, Clarkson averaged a team-leading 15.8 points on 45.2% shooting, in addition to 5.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. The 46th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft (acquired from Washington), Clarkson also scored the winning points in overtime in the final second of two games with a layup March 30 at Philadelphia, and the clinching free throws in a tied game March 25 at Minnesota.
In the March 30 contest, Clarkson joined Stephen Curry, John Wall, and Russell Westbrook as the only players in the NBA this season to record a game of at least 26 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, and three steals. On the road in Oklahoma City March 24, Clarkson set career-highs with 30 points and three blocks, becoming the first Laker rookie since Eddie Jones (2/4/95) to score 30 points in a game.
Since being named a starter 31 games ago, the 22-year-old is averaging a team-leading 15.0 points per game to go with 4.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.87 steals.
On the year, Clarkson ranks 3rd among rookies in points per game (10.9), field goal percentage (.447), free throw percentage (.828), 5th in assists per game (3.1), and 13th in rebounds per game (3.1).
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services
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