During a recent episode of CavsHQ, newly-acquired guard Jordan Clarkson sat down with hosts John Michael and Rafa Hernandez-Brito for a wide-ranging interview. Amid their discussion, Clarkson compared the support he received from Kobe Bryant during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers and now LeBron James as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“They always say Jordan Clarkson is one of the few guys who can play next to Kobe and LeBron and still get your shot off and still score your points,” Hernandez-Brito said with a laugh during the podcast. “Did you get the support from Kobe the way we have seen it from LeBron? The support to just keep shooting the ball.”
“Yeah,” Clarkson replied. “During my rookie year, Kobe was always on me to get in the gym early with him getting shots up and stuff like that. When we got on the court, he was not as vocal as LeBron is in terms of being encouraging with everybody. You know, Kobe had his own way of encouraging guys, but it was something similar.”
Clarkson was then asked to describe the differences in practicing with LeBron and Kobe.
“What are some of the differences?” Michael asked. “Can you tell us how the practices differed with LeBron and Kobe?”
“Two different styles of leadership,” Clarkson replied. “LeBron is very encouraging, bringing everybody along. And Kobe, he’s testing you, seeing what you’re gonna give him. He’s gonna get at you, he’s gonna scream at you, he’s gonna cuss, he’s gonna do whatever it is. He had his own way of leading guys as well. It was two different sides. I’m just blessed to see both of them.”
Clarkson has played well since joining the Cavs. The former Missouri Tiger has played in six games with his new team, averaging 14.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. In Tuesday night’s 129-123 win over the Brooklyn Nets, Clarkson racked up 14 points, three assists, three rebounds, and one steal in 21 minutes of playing time.
Clarkson and the Cavs — now the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference standings with a 36-24 overall record — will be back in action on Wednesday night, as they’re scheduled to host the Philadelphia 76ers inside Quicken Loans Arena. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST with TNT and FOX Sports Ohio having live broadcast coverage as the Cavs look for a 3-0 season series lead.
