Just one year ago, Jordan Clarkson was the new guy — a 46th overall draft pick preparing for his first taste of the NBA Summer League. Now, he is a member of the All-Rookie First Team and getting set to lead his squad in this year’s tournament in Las Vegas.

Clarkson never left the bench for more than half of the Lakers’ first 40 games last season, but a few months later he was averaging 20.2 points and 6.5 assists in L.A.’s final 13 contests. Summer League head coach Mark Madsen sees this leap as a testament to Clarkson’s will.

“The level of work that Jordan has put in over this last year is absolutely incredible, and it’s paying dividends,” Madsen said. “Monday after practice, he stayed late and would not leave the court until he finished his shooting progression. His legs were dead. That type of meticulous hunger to improve is something that has taken Jordan Clarkson to the level that he is right now.”

Despite the increased exposure and expectations that have come with the accolades garnered in his rookie season, Clarkson maintains his underdog mentality. The chief difference is that he is no longer working in the background, but rather in full sight of his teammates looking toward him for guidance.

“My mindset is coming in here and to keep progressing and working hard,” Clarkson said. “It’s a little different because I’m one of the older guys now. Just being able to come in here and try to lead and work on my leadership skills and talk to guys. That’s what I’m really working on: trying to communicate with guys.”

Still, that vocal leadership is a bit foreign to Clarkson, who tends to favor actions over words. But the 23-year-old nonetheless plans to keep “showing these guys what the Laker brand and Laker basketball is all about.”

“It’s kind of the same mindset coming in showing improvements and trying to play hard,” he said. “My mindset really hasn’t changed. I’ve still got the same chip. But it has changed in terms of leadership and being one of the older guys talking to these young guys.

“Last year I was kind of quiet during Summer League. I still feel myself falling into that sometimes during practice, but I’ve got to remind myself every day: ‘You’ve got to talk up and lead these guys.’”

According to Madsen, it would be tough to find a more capable leader than Clarkson. To him, the combo guard’s drive has him on a different track than his peers.

“The thing about Jordan Clarkson that differentiates him from the rest of the rookie class is his work ethic,” Madsen said. “Jordan will get to the gym early. He will stay late. In the summertime, there were times when he was coming into this facility at 7 a.m. to get extra shots and conditioning, and to continue to develop some of those skills that will push him to the next level.”