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Report: Lakers nearly drafted Russ Smith over Clarkson in 2014

Victor Decolongon / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Los Angeles Lakers found themselves a diamond in the rough during the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft, using their 46th overall pick - which they had purchased from the Washington Wizards - to select Missouri Tigers guard Jordan Clarkson.

The 24-year-old has played himself into a significant role and a sizable contract with the purple and gold in just his second year with the franchise. Had the team gone with their instincts two years ago, though, Clarkson could have easily been racking up the points on another roster this season.

On draft night, there was reportedly "real, down-to-the-wire temptation" to select Louisville guard Russ Smith, who ultimately went one pick later to the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding.

Player personnel director Ryan West and Jesse Buss apparently vouched for Clarkson, a call that's paying dividends for the Lakers early on in the 2016-17 regular season.

Clarkson has put himself right in the conversation as an early favorite for NBA Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 14.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals in 26.6 minutes for new head coach Luke Walton's second unit. It also helps that the Lakers are putting wins on the board after a franchise-worst 17-win campaign in 2015-16.

Smith, on the other hand, isn't even in the Association, as he's currently working overseas with Galatasaray Odeabank of the Turkish Basketball Super League and Euroleague.

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