Former Lakers player talks of Kobe Bryant's impact on his career
Following a recent practice with his Philippines FIBA team at the World Cup, Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson spoke to media members about the influence Kobe Bryant had on his career – and about a special tattoo.
“It meant a lot being around him my earlier years...a guy that I learned a lot from,” Clarkson said. “And he taught me so much. He means a lot to my career and the game of basketball, period.”
He also showed the media the tattoo he got on his leg of himself and Bryant embracing each other on the basketball court as teammates.
The Lakers selected Clarkson with the 46th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He quickly carved out a role for himself as a high-energy scoring option, averaging 11.9 points and 3.5 assists and earning a first-team All-Rookie selection.
During the 2015-2016 season, Clarkson’s offensive production jumped to 15.5 points per game and he was inserted into the starting lineup alongside Bryant. Clarkson was able to further develop his scoring arsenal by playing heavy minutes with one of the greatest scorers of all time.
Following a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017-2018 season, Clarkson’s role shifted from full-time starter to sixth man, providing a much-needed scoring punch for the team's second unit. It was here that he was able to find a role that suited him, making the best use of the offensive skills he learned from his time in Los Angeles with Bryant.
After a trade to the Jazz in 2019-2020, Clarkson cemented his role as one of the league’s best sixth men, posting averages of 18.4, 16, and 20.8 points in the following three seasons. This elite production culminated in Clarkson winning the Sixth Man of the Year award during the 2020-21 season, a season in which he averaged 18.4 points, four rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Although he is no longer a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, there is no denying the impact that being teammates with Bryant had on his career and the success that he ultimately found.
Clarkson echoed this sentiment on Bryant to reporters.
"Definitely my GOAT," he said.
Bryant and his daughter Gianna died along with seven others when their helicopter crashed near Los Angeles in 2020.
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