The Los Angeles Lakers lost their fifth consecutive game Wednesday night when their second half comeback fell short against the San Antonio Spurs.
However, there was one bright spot that came out of the loss and that was the performance of Earl Clark. Clark has not seen a lot of playing time this season, but with Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol sidelined due to injury, Clark did a great job filling in the void left by the starting big men.
After the game, coach Mike D’Antoni spoke to the media and commented on Clark’s play in the Lakers’ 108-105 loss to the Spurs. Based on D’Antoni’s remarks, it looks like Clark has earned himself some extra minutes in the rotation.
D’Antoni: “Earl Clark was phenomenal … he deserves (a shot to enter the rotation when other bigs return).”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 10, 2013
D’Antoni on Clark: “I look like an idiot for not playing him.” Welp.
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 10, 2013
In 27 minutes of play, Clark scored 22 points and came down with 13 rebounds, impressive numbers for a player that has been on the bench nearly the entire season. Nevertheless, the Lakers could not pull out the victory in the fourth quarter and the team once again suffered a loss.
Clark should see similar minutes in the Lakers’ next game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers desperately need to win a game and if they can get this kind of effort out of Clark again, there is a chance they can escape Oklahoma City with a victory.
