Jordan Clarkson carries scoring load again for Lakers in summer league

Two games into summer league, one thing appears certain for the Lakers -- their top scoring option, at least in Las Vegas, is Jordan Clarkson.

The second year guard followed up a 23-point performance on Friday with 19 points during a 68-60 victory over the 76ers on Saturday. He was eight for 16 from the field and was aggressive defensively with three steals.

In the first half, Clarkson drew oohs and aahs from the crowd after an ankle-breaking crossover against JaKarr Sampson that led to a reverse layup. That’s been a theme of his offensive repertoire so far, as he’s found mismatches and attacked accordingly.

Later in the game, with the 76ers hanging around, Clarkson opted to dribble the ball up court, despite rookie guard D’Angelo Russell having been the primary ball-handler, and eventually knocked down a floater in the lane that clinched the win.

There’s still plenty of room to improve. Clarkson has shot the ball poorly from long range, converting on three of 11 shots from beyond the three-point arc in two games. He also hasn’t gotten his teammates involved much, with as many assists as three-pointers. Some of that comes with Russell playing point guard, but Clarkson accepts that he has more to do before the start of the season.

“I’m going to continue to work and find things that I can get better at,” Clarkson said after the game.