28-year-old Earl Clark currently plays small/power forward for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA's Developmental League. He played college ball for the University of Louisville until the Phoenix Suns drafted him in 2009. However, he was then bumped down to the developmental league, when his performance failed to meet expectations. In 45 games, he averaged only 2.7 points. Now, Clark is getting another chance to prove himself in the NBA. After having many players out with injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers are working out a one-year contract with Clark.
Clark left Louisville before his senior year to join the draft and, based on his poor numbers as a professional, this could have been a bit premature. It remains to be seen if Clark has what it takes to make it in the big time. But, according to Yahoo Sports, he has earned another shot:
"Clark has averaged 29 points per game for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League, and the eventual finalization of a deal could bring Clark back to the Lakers in the next few days...The run of injuries has allowed the Lakers to petition the NBA for extra roster spots. Clark, 26, is familiar to the organization and its officials. He started 36 games for Los Angeles in the 2012-13 season. Clark has averaged 4.4 points per game in parts of five NBA seasons."
It's clear to see that 30 points per game is pretty far off from 4.4, so one tends to wonder what kind of numbers Clark will be putting up.
Nevertheless, the Lakers seem to believe in him and, according to Roto World, so do sports journalists like Adrian Wojnarowski:
"He'll help make up for the loss of Julius Randle, as well as the current injury to Carlos Boozer, but might also hurt the strong play of Ed Davis. Then again, Clark has never really lived up to the hype, but is averaging close to 30 points in the D-League this season.
This could be turn out to be quite the opportunity for Earl Clark. What do you think about the situation? Let us know in the comment section down below.
