LOS ANGELES -- Given how well Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Jordan Clarkson has played of late, there was never any doubt he would be on the roster next season.
However, the second-round pick's contract for the 2015-16 season -- in which he'd make a relatively inexpensive $845,059 --won't become fully guaranteed until he makes the opening-night roster.
Lakers fans shouldn't worry, though.
Head coach Byron Scott confirmed the obvious Friday night after Clarkson scored 27 points in a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers here: Clarkson will be back.
“We know he’s going to be on our team next year,” Scott said. “But we have to add pieces. There’s no doubt about that. I don’t think we necessarily are saying we’re building around him. But we’re adding pieces with him.”
However, has Clarkson shown enough at the point guard position to make the Lakers think twice about pursuing a point guard this summer, someone like Rajon Rondo or Goran Dragic, perhaps?
“I don’t know that yet,” Scott said.
It'll be one of the key storylines for the Lakers this offseason.
For now, Clarkson continues to shine.
Earlier on Friday, he was named the Western Conference rookie of the month, the first-ever Laker to receive the honor since it was handed out in 1981-82.
In his last seven games, Clarkson has scored 20 or more points four times, including scoring a career-high 30 in a loss at Oklahoma City.