Jordan Clarkson finished the 2016-17 season as the only Laker to play in all 82 games. He started 19 of them to close the season, and averaged 14.7 points on 44.5 percent from the field and 32.9 percent from 3-point range. Clarkson added 2.6 assists and 3.0 boards with 1.1 steals in his 29.2 minutes per game.
After the All-Star break, Clarkson put up 17.2 points, 3.8 assists and 3.3 boards with his minutes climbing to 33.7 per night.
Below is a summary of his exit interview:
- Clarkson called his meeting with Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka and Luke Walton “awesome.”
- He said his biggest areas of focus are working on his left hand, and making quicker decisions. He added that he wants to be more vocal next season, and really force the issue that way, to be more of a leader.
- Clarkson isn’t sure whether he’ll start or come off the bench next year, that it depends upon what Luke Walton wants.
- Clarkson felt like he made some improvements defensively, after acknowledging that he struggled last season.
- Clarkson said Magic johnson and Rob Pelinka make you feel excited about what’s going on. They wanted to hear his ideas, hear about what was on his mind. “It just feels good.”
- He said he definitely wants to fight for a playoff spot next season, as all players do. He just thinks they’re closer than outsiders may feel they are from turning the corner.
- On Luke Walton: “I feel like he’s the definition of a player’s coach. At practice, him texting us off the court and seeing how we’re doing. Just being real open with us was really cool.”
- On Magic: “He’s one of the greatest to play the game, greatest Lakers. This is his city. Him giving you so many ideas and talking to you gives you a lot of confidence. We’re definitely blessed.”