LOS ANGELES_The first time, Los Angeles Lakers Coach Luke Walton said, it might have taken some people aback.
Jordan Clarkson, who received a $50-million contract this off-season, wouldn't be starting for the Lakers' first preseason game. If it took Clarkson aback, he isn't showing it. Not in interviews and not with his behavior with the team.
"He's been absolutely great," Walton said. "I've talked to him about starting or coming off the bench; he's been good with both. It's nice to have guys like that on your team."
In the process, he's becoming a potent sixth man for the Lakers _ one who boosts their second unit when he rotates in. Walton might continue tinkering with his lineups. But there's no denying the Lakers were at their best with Clarkson coming off the bench during the preseason.
"Probably the biggest thing I can do is try to help us get wins," said Clarkson, who also came off the bench in the opening victory over the Houston Rockets. "I'm comfortable with the role I'm in. I'm getting starter minutes, so it's a good process for me. It's a little different, but ... to me it's just, I'm helping another unit. Just helping the team, to be honest with you."
Wednesday night's game provided another example. Clarkson played only seven minutes in the first half after quickly committing two fouls. He didn't get back into the game until the second half, and when he did, he delivered.
"Teammates kept going to me, Coach was calling plays for me," Clarkson said. "I just kept continuing to score."
Clarkson played 18 minutes in the second half, made seven of nine shots for 23 points and had three critical steals.
"Jordan was amazing," Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell said. "End of the game he was most valuable player. ... I don't think he was expecting his role to be what it is so far. No telling what it could be toward the middle of the season or the end. He's doing a great job of being mature and making the best of it."
You'd forgive Clarkson if not being a starter disappointed him.
"Nah, never," he said, when asked if it did. "I didn't find it disappointing or nothing. I found it just a way to help the team."
