LA Lakers Rumors: Steve Nash To Train Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell For Lakers
LA Lakers rumors have former MVP Steve Nash ready to train Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell. These Lakers rumors certainly indicate Nash wants to help the franchise, especially since he is not currently under contract with the team. A report from CBS Sports late Thursday (July 16) indicates that Clarkson and Russell will begin working with Nash following the 2015 NBA Summer League. It could give the guards a big head start on the upcoming NBA season.
Despite still having Kobe Bryant on the roster, the Lakers are in the middle of a youth movement. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, D’Angelo Russell was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft, with the Lakers selecting him ahead of big man Jahlil Okafor. The pressure is on for the Ohio State point guard to make an impact quickly. He joins a backcourt that includes second-year guard Jordan Clarkson, who made the NBA All-Rookie First Team during this past season. Averaging 11.9 points and 3.5 assists per game, he has shown flashes of really understanding the game at the NBA level.
There were plenty of earlier LA Lakers rumors during the offseason, including the team acquiring center Roy Hibbert from the Indiana Pacers. He provides a lot of size in the low post, giving the Lakers someone to count on to clog up the lane. The roster also includes Brandon Bass, the now healthy Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., recently signed Lou Williams and the return of Nick Young. On paper, this might be a good enough roster to finally get the Lakers back into the NBA Playoffs.
If Steve Nash can really show Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell the ropes, the Lakers might have a really impressive backcourt. The biggest question in Los Angeles, though, centers around whether Kobe Bryant is ready to be a role player or will he still command the ball on every possession. He has the opportunity to play with a stronger supporting cast than he has had in years, but it will take a concerted effort from Bryant to keep everyone involved in the offense.
During the 2015-16 NBA season, the Lakers might be one of the most interesting teams to watch in the Western Conference. While the most recent LA Lakers rumors don’t have the team as championship contenders on the level of the Los Angeles Clippers or San Antonio Spurs, there is no doubting that the roster has a lot of talent now. Can Nash help turn that talent into a successful NBA roster?
[Image Source: Harry How/Getty Images]
