Byron Scott: D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson Have Enough Experience Closing Games

Great news Lakers fans – rookie D'Angelo Russell and second-year guard Jordan Clarkson have enough experience closing games. This fact comes from Byron Scott following another Lakers loss. Specifically, one where Russell and Clarkson didn’t close the game. Because, you see, they have enough experience. Take it away coach! From the OC Register:

"“They (Russell and Clarkson) have had enough experience doing that so far. I really truly believe that and sometimes they’ve got to understand when that unit is in there playing well, sometimes I am going to go with them,” Scott said."

With just 188 career NBA games between them on a Lakers team that has won a total of 35 games since the start of the 2014-2015 season, they have amassed enough experience. Meanwhile, Scott closed with Lou Williams and Marcelo Huertas. Let’s see how that worked out.

Oh, that’s Huertas running away from the guy who hit the wide-open game winner. Keep in mind, Huertas is a 32-year old NBA rookie on a 1-year deal. At least Williams will conceivably play a role in the Lakers’ immediate future. Even then, he’s a 10-year veteran in a game that ultimately means nothing in a lost season. Luckily, he has a chance to get some reps while more experienced closers like Kobe Bryant, D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson can rest up for retirement.