Lakers rookie guard Jordan Clarkson scored 27 points on Thursday night, helping the D-Fenders improve to 4-10 with a 122-120 victory over the Sioux Falls Skyforce (5-7).
Clarkson, who has struggled to crack the Lakers’ rotation, got a valuable chance to play with the team’s NBA Development league affiliate.
In 38 minutes, Clarkson shot 10-of-20 from the field, while collecting seven assists and seven rebounds — catching fire for a third-quarter stretch with 12 points.
Through four appearances with the D-Fenders, Clarkson is averaging 19.5 points, seven assists and 4.8 rebounds a game.
The 46th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft was sent to the D-League after practicing with the Lakers (7-19) in preparation for the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-14) on Friday night. After the game against Sioux Falls, Clarkson was quickly recalled by the Lakers.
The team could look to do the same on Saturday night when the D-Fenders host the Reno Bighorns, giving Clarkson an opportunity to play on four consecutive nights, with the Lakers visiting the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
Three former Lakers gave strong performances on Thursday, including affiliate players Roscoe Smith (19 points with eight rebounds) and Jabari Brown (20 points) — both were in training camp with the Lakers. Manny Harris, who was with the team for 20 days last season, added 20 points.
The D-Fenders recently acquired Ater Majok, a forward/center selected by the Lakers with the 58th overall pick in the 2011 draft. In 23 minutes, Majok scored eight points with two rebounds.
The Lakers still have the rights to Majok, who has yet to join the NBA.
The D-Fenders also added UCLA forward Alfred Aboya on Thursday, waiving former NBA veteran Jamario Moon.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus
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