Lakers rookie Jordan Clarkson working with Steve Nash

There have been few bright spots for the Los Angeles Lakers in a woeful, lost, injury-riddled 2014-15 season.

Those looking for some glimmer of hope for the future beyond cap flexibility and a potential top-five pick in June's draft really only have one place to look: rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson.

The No. 46 overall pick out of Missouri this offseason, Clarkson wasn't expected to play much as a freshman, stuck behind Steve Nash, Jeremy Lin and even Ronnie Price on the depth chart. After a season-ending injury to Nash coupled with ineffective play from Lin, and the franchise's eyes have shifted toward the long-term. As such, Clarkson has found himself in the starting lineup since Jan. 23.

And he's impressed in nine games since, averaging 13 points and 3.8 assists in 30.9 minutes, even if his efficiency has been found wanting.

The uptick in performance over the past few weeks may not be coincidental, as Clarkson has been exchanging text messages with Nash throughout the season and worked with him in person two weeks ago. Nash has largely stayed away from the team, but head coach Byron Scott has been open in hoping Nash would help mentor some of the team's young players, even in an informal role.

Clarkson is planning on returning to Los Angeles after a quick trip home during All-Star Weekend to work with Nash some more, he told Mark Medina from Los Angeles Daily News on Wednesday.

"We'll probably watch some film and then go from there," Clarkson said.

To be clear, Clarkson hasn't been phenomenal as a rookie, but his progress has been encouraging. An afterthought early in the year, the lanky guard now at least appears to be a potential backup option at the one.

Working with Nash - one of the best and most creative point guards of all time - can only help to that end.