I'll dump some stats here. Earl Clark: the good and the bad Earl Clark elevated his game with the Lakers, becoming a respectable five category player (scoring, rebounding, blocks, steals, and assists). For instance, despite averaging 29.9 in those five categories per 100 possessions just a season prior he upped his game to 33.4, an increase of 10% productivity. So, let's take a look at his Lakers time to see what he might be able to offer at that elevated level. Clark posted a Scoring Efficiency of 4.95, which is somewhere between Wes Johnson and Ed Davis. He posted a Passing Efficiency of 2.1, which is somewhere between Sacre and Hill. He posted a 3.1 Hustle Efficiency, somewhere between Sacre and Hill (but closer to Sacre). His positional efficiencies were 49 on the wing (slightly better than Ellington and Price, far better than Wes) and 66 at Big, which is not quite as good as Boozer (but far better than wes). His ORtg was 103, one of the worst on the team for those Lakers, just below Metta and Dwight, and worst among all players with at least 800 minutes played. His DRtg was tied with Hill's at 105, behind only Dwight Howard among players with at least 7 minutes played (DJO played 6). He held opposing players to estimated Positional Efficiencies of 55 at SF and 78 at PF. Teams were, moreover, slightly better with him on the court than off the court, in terms of FG%, (50.6% eFG vs. 49.0%). I suppose here's my takeaway: he's not a good offensive player, but he's probably our best SF/PF defender to come off the bench (Davis is our best PF/C). He's best suited to a backup role as a 3 and D guy, despite the fact that he's not a good three-point shooter.
I've watched Earl since he was at the University of Louisville; from Phoenix, Orlando, to the Lakers, to Cleveland and back down to the Lakers...a very capable and versatile defender that was guarding spots 2-4 on our team effectively when he played for us...that's where we need the help. Offensively, his man might sag off of him and congest the paint, so Earl will get open looks...it's up to him to take advantage. All in all, an upgrade defensively over Boozer, solid rebound guy, good help defender, and has his moments offensively. He could definitely help this roster when engaged and hopefully decrease Boozer's time on the floor.
because of his contract, even if and when we get that injured player exemption its so small I highly doubt we can sign anyone with it.
Byron said the Lakers can officially add a 16th player after tonight. But won't do anything til after the 3 game road trip.
I am happy to get Earl Clarke and dropping X can only make us happier. I think we should make a statue of Nash. Pour concrete over him and have one arm outstretched to hold towels and one arm molded to hold a barrel of gatorade. Hopefully he can still have his unchecked 10 million dollar check in his back pocket.
