Jordan Clarkson’s rebounding has been pleasant surprise for Lakers

Mark Madsen knows a few things about life.

Dancing wouldn’t be one of them. But rebounding delights him to no end.

The Lakers assistant coach lights up when asked about Jordan Clarkson’s penchant to grab quite a few boards for a point guard. The rookie is averaging 4.6 a game this month, putting him ahead of triple-double threat Rajon Rondo and in the same sphere as solid rebounding guard Michael Carter-Williams.

“I’ve never seen a point guard rebound the way Jordan can rebound,” Madsen said Monday. “As a rookie, to do what he’s doing, it’s impressive.”

Madsen never played with Magic Johnson, who finished fourth all time among Lakers players in total rebounds and averaged 7.2 a game. He was 6 feet 9. Clarkson is 6-5.

“It’s just been one of those things for me — it’s kind of natural, just being able to run in there and get them,” Clarkson said. “I’m athletic enough and I just try to be active on the court, try to affect the game any way I can.”

Nobody is confusing Clarkson with Russell Westbrook, whose season-long tear includes 7.2 rebounds a game (and a sublime 10.3 this month).

But Clarkson typically follows his own shot and, smartly, often those of others.

“To rebound the basketball, you have to have a few things,” said Madsen, who won championship rings in 2001 and 2002 as a backup power forward for the Lakers. “Jordan has heart, he has tremendous timing and he has a desire to get the ball. He’s got a nose for the ball and he’s tough.”

Clarkson is known more for his scoring and is learning to be a better distributor after being a shoot-first point guard at Missouri.

Thanks also to his rebounding, he’s come somewhat close to a triple-double a couple of times, most recently a 10-point, eight-rebound, six-assist game Sunday against Atlanta.

Maybe he’ll get one before the season ends. Then he’d be only 137 triple-doubles behind Johnson.

“We’ll see,” Clarkson said with a smile. “Hopefully I’ll get one soon.”

Young’s status undetermined

Nick Young underwent a CT scan Monday in Los Angeles, but the Lakers wanted the results analyzed by at least two doctors before determining whether to shut him down.

It’s possible he will sit out the rest of the season because of a sore left knee, a person familiar with the situation said Monday.

Young has sat out 11 games because of swelling and discomfort in the knee.

“We will know more from the doctors … they are going over it now,” Lakers Coach Byron Scott said. “Hopefully [Tuesday] we’ll get some answers.”

It’s already become the second time-consuming injury for Young this season. He was sidelined the first 10 games because of a torn ligament in his left thumb.

He is averaging 13.4 points and shooting only 36.6% in the first season of a four-year contract.