The season is only 5 games old for the Los Angeles Lakers, but we have already learned so much. After beating the Houston Rockets 120-114 in the home opener, the team set out on their first road trip of the season. This road trip would see them play the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks. The Lakers would only win one game on the road, but what we learned during those games is more important.
Lakers Road Trip: What We Learned
Jordan Clarkson Should Stay on the bench
Early in the preseason, head coach Luke Walton made the surprising decision to bring guard Jordan Clarkson off the bench. Playing the Sixth Man role well is key to any teams success, and Clarkson has played great. In three of the four road games, Clarkson would go on to put up double digit scoring numbers. Including a 16 point performance against the Hawks. Turnovers however are a cause for concern for Clarkson. Averaging 2.8 per game so far this season, taking care of the ball is something Clarkson needs to improve upon if the Lakers are to be successful.
Still being just 24 years old, Clarkson was re-signed this off-season by the Lakers. Capable of playing either guard spot, Clarkson has become an impact player on both sides of the basketball. If the beginning of the season is anything to go by, Coach Walton would do well to keep Clarkson coming off the bench. Four road games is a small sample size, but Clarkson appears to be just one of many young Lakers showing improvement.
Brandon Ingram Needs Time
After his impressive nine point NBA debut, Brandon Ingram has been brought down to earth. Ingram suffered a minor injury in the Lakers first road game in Utah. The injury saw the rookie sit out the second half against the Jazz. Ingram scored just 2 points, but would be passed fit for the next road game in Oklahoma. The 6’9 forward would put up another nine point performance against the Thunder. So with Ingram experiencing ups and downs, Walton’s decision to bring the rookie off the bench appears to be the right one.
When you’re drafted No.2 overall out of Duke, you’re expected to start from day one. Ingram appears to be the exception. The rookie should spend most of the season on the bench, as bringing Ingram along slowly looks to be the way to go. Ingram is one of the youngest players in the league, so he and the Lakers have time to be patient.
Nick Young Has Escaped the NBA’s Abyss
After some off the court issues last season, Nick Young is back to his shooting best. With all of last years problems and his falling out with D’Angelo Russell, most thought Young’s time with the Lakers had come to an end. But after camp and preseason, head coach Walton made a bold move by starting Young. Repaying his coaches trust, Young has scored at least eight points in a every game this season. Young’s best performance came in the team’s final road game in Atlanta where he had 17 points, 2 assists and 1 steal. So from the abyss, Young has risen to NBA starter once again.
The Team Has Fight
In all four of the Lakers road games, the team went into the fourth quarter either tied or losing. However the Lakers refused to give up, losing in double digits just once. Last season under Byron Scott, the Lakers would typically start to fade late in games. You could say this was due to youth or just lack of quality. Although coaching may have played a big part. Under Walton, this young Lakers team appears rejuvenated. Showing great effort late in games.
The Lakers next game is at home to the Golden State Warriors. This game see’s the start of a three game home stand.
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