Comments by Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson on monster dunk bring up stereotypes

When Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson shared a joke after Sunday night’s game from Kobe Bryant about the different skin colors of African American athletes, the second-year player unintentionally touched on a stereotype.

Clarkson’s comments about “light-skinned dude” vs. “dark-skinned dude” implied that lighter-skinned athletes can be passive, but darker-skinned athletes are more aggressive.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

The 6-foot-5 Clarkson threw down an impressive dunk over 7-1 center Alex Len in the third quarter of the Lakers’ 97-77 victory over the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center, causing his teammates to chest-bump and high-five each other.

After the game was over, Clarkson was asked about his thoughts on his dunk.

“All I remember was Kobe telling me that I’ve been going to the hole like a light-skinned dude,” said Clarkson, who is light-skinned. “So I’ve got to start going like a dark-skinned dude. As soon as the lane opened up, that’s all I remember.”

Get the latest in sports with our free newsletter >>

Clarkson then was asked if he went to the hole like a dark-skinned dude.

“Yeah,” he replied.

Follow Broderick Turner on Twitter: @BA_Turner

MORE LAKERS NEWS

Lakers win their third straight with a blowout of the Phoenix Suns

Kobe Bryant listed as questionable for Lakers’ game against Phoenix

Mitch Kupchak says Lakers may retire both ‘8’ and ‘24’ for Kobe Bryant