The LA Lakers had one of the steals of the 2014 NBA Draft in Jordan Clarkson.
Clarkson was picked in the second round of the draft and no one expected him to perform as he is now. He has made the most of being on a bad team with Kobe Bryant missing most of the season in his rookie year (along with fellow rookie and 7th overall pick Julius Randle).
However, despite his strong showing, there are critics of Clarkson who point out that the Lakers decision to use the 2nd overall pick on D'Angelo Russell is a vote of no-confidence for the Missouri product.
Lake Show Life discussed this slump as the Lakers start to plan for their future. The Lakers have control with Clarkson as he is a restricted free agent but LSL questions whether he is worth it.
Despite a significant increase in Clarkson's minutes this season, which has resulted in a slight increase in scoring and rebounds per game, when looking at his per 36 minutes numbers, he's actually regressed this season," LSL wrote. "Clarkson will be a restricted free agent come the season's end, but has he really earned the max contract people assume the Lakers will offer him?"
His max contract is not as huge as other players because of the Arenas rule, as explained by ESPN Insider.
"Because Clarkson will be a free agent with two years of experience, he'll be subject to the so-called 'Arenas provision' limiting other teams from offering more than the mid-level exception as a starting point on an offer sheet," Insider Kevin Pelton stated. "In year three, however, teams can offer Clarkson what would be his maximum salary - somewhere in the ballpark of $23 million, depending where the cap falls."
This will give the Lakers more time to let Clarkson develop before they actually delve deep into their pockets. Because of this factor, the decision is less risky for the Lakers to keep their draft steal.
