Lakers' Clarkson, Russell planning workouts with Steve Nash
The Los Angeles Lakers have their backcourt of the future in a post-Mamba world with guards Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell. They may never reach the level of Magic Johnson and Byron Scott, but the budding tandem could still prove to be something extraordinary, lifting the franchise out of the gutter and putting it back on a respectable path.
Their development can't be mishandled, though, with high-profile free agents electing to turn down the Lakers' advancements to plant their feet elsewhere this offseason. If big names aren't interested in playing under the Hollywood spotlight as the team rebuilds, the Lakers will simply have to roll with their young talent, with Clarkson and Russell being at the forefront.
Seeking out the services of two-time NBA MVP and former Laker Steve Nash is a wise move on Clarkson's part, who reportedly told Bill Oram of the OC Register that he's planning more workouts with the Canadian basketball icon, who he's trained with several times before.
Not to be left out in the cold, Russell will also be included in the sessions with Nash, who announced his retirement in March following deep-rooted nerve and back issues.
Before a series of injuries ultimately derailed his career, Nash was looked upon as one of the game's elite floor generals, moving the basketball with pin-point precision and some of the most acrobatic, out-of-this-world dimes fans have witnessed. Clarkson and Russell are viewed as scoring guards, so if Nash can show them the ropes on how to run an offense efficiently and distribute to teammates, they'll be much better off because of it.
The Las Vegas Summer League, which should always be taken with a grain of salt, has been a mixed bag for both players. Clarkson, who is coming off an appearance on the All-Rookie First Team in 2015, is averaging 18 points and 3.3 rebounds. Russell has struggled in nearly all facets of his game, shooting 31.7 percent from the field for 9.5 points, while also turning the ball over 5.8 times per game.
Russell, 19, was taken second overall by the Lakers in 2015 after averaging 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5 assists during his only year at Ohio State.