Los Angeles Lakers’ Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle Have Some Very Important Support

By Anthony F. Irwin @AnthonyIrwinNBA on October 7, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday night’s preseason opener featured Kobe Bryant’s return, a healthy Steve Nash and, most importantly, Julius Randle’s debut against legitimate NBA talent. Randle played well and he — and fellow rookie Jordan Clarkson – has received support from one very important person within the organization, the Mamba himself.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ draft in June continues to look like a success. Randle has shown versatility most hadn’t seen in college and Clarkson, acquired via trade in the second round, was the Lakers’ best player during the summer league. Now, according to Bryant, “Without a shadow of a doubt, both could contribute right now.” Having Kobe on board will do wonders both for their development and the Lakers’ growth as an organization.

Obviously, when a young player’s childhood idol says that about something they’ve worked their entire lives for, confidence has to go through the roof. This is especially the case with Bryant, whose honesty is both his most endearing and polarizing character trait for teammates, fans and the media alike. Knowing that he refuses to pull punches, regardless of issue, and provides such a glowing review of their debuts — not only in last night’s game but in practices thus far — is just about as important as anything Bryant did while playing last night.

In terms of how Bryant’s perspective affects the entire franchise — all the Lakers’ decisions this offseason have come with such endorsements and should lead to patience with the youngsters this season. If Kobe had not bought in to Byron Scott as coach or any of the players they brought in or kept, the franchise might find themselves making potentially damaging moves to appease their superstar.

Last night’s preseason game was fun to watch for obvious reasons: they won; Kobe and Nash looked good; the Lakers played defense. But the biggest bit of news came after the game, when Bryant continued to show he’s fully invested in the rebuilding process.

Anthony F. Irwin is an NBA, NFL, MLB and NCAA Football contributor for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Send him an email at .