Lakers’ Jordan Clarkson gets back on track

Jordan Clarkson of the Lakers was looking for redemption Tuesday night.

Not just because he played poorly against Chris Paul and the Clippers on Sunday night.

For Clarkson, it was just about improving some more during his rookie season.

“I’m going to put the time in,” Clarkson said. “I’m going to continue to try to get better.”

Clarkson missed five of six shots, including his three three-pointers, and had only two points and three assists Sunday.

So Clarkson prepared for Tuesday’s game by watching tape of that performance.

He was better, too, producing 20 points, six assists and four rebounds during the Lakers’ 105-100 loss to the Clippers.

“I watch a lot of myself, just to critique myself,” Clarkson said. “I think I’m my hardest critic. Sometimes it’s kind of bad because I’m so hard on myself and sometimes I get down.”

Scott outlines goals for Young

Lakers Coach Byron Scott had more words directed at Nick Young, saying he simply wants to coach the small forward.

Scott was stern in his comments about what Young has to improve upon over the summer if he wants quality playing time next season.

Scott said Young must be better on defense, learn to move better without the basketball and not worry about shooting being his only weapon.

“It’s called coaching,” Scott said. “Simple as that. This is what you’ve got to do to get better as a basketball player. If you don’t do those things, it’s going to be hard for you to get off the bench.”

Does Scott think Young, who has three seasons and $16.2 million left on his deal, is coachable?

“We’ll find out,” Scott said.

Young has played in only 42 games this season because of injuries, the latest a fractured left kneecap that has him out for the rest of the season.

“I think he’s tried to do some of the things we’ve asked him to do,” Scott said. “But again, like I’ve said, this summer is going to be big for him, as far as working on those things and a lot of those things doesn’t concern having the ball in your hands. Like I said, it’s called coaching, trying to tell you want you need to do to get better as a player.”

While standing in the hallway of the Lakers’ locker room before the game, Scott crossed his arms and shook his head when Young walked in late at 6:45 p.m.

“Why are you late?” Scott said to Young.

“Man, I was talking to people outside,” Young said.

“That’s a fine,” Scott told Young, who has been fined multiple times this season for being late to games.

The fine will be between $100 and $250.

LAKERS AT DENVER

When: 6 PDT.

Where: Pepsi Center.

On the air: TV: TWC SportsNet, TWC Deportes; Radio: 710, 1330.

Records: Lakers 20-57, Nuggets 28-49.

Record vs. Nuggets: 1-2.

Update: The Nuggets have lost four consecutive games and are assured of having their worst record at home (17-21) since the 2002-03 season, the season before they selected Carmelo Anthony in the draft. Denver hasn’t played since it lost to the Clippers on Saturday night at home.

Follow Broderick Turner on Twitter @BA_Turner