New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson are both thriving literally thousands of miles apart. But these two, just like a few other players, will forever be connected by their young Los Angeles Lakers ties.

Clarkson was the first to greet his former Lakers teammate, tagging him in a tweet to give him some well-deserved congratulations.

https://twitter.com/JordanClarksons/status/1397344450318192644?s=20

The Knicks All-Star responded just a few moments later, just appreciating the journey both have been on.

You just love to see it. As fellow 2014 NBA draft classmates, the bond between the two former Lakers continues to grow.

Julius Randle's rise shouldn't exactly be shocking. After all, he was selected by LA with the seventh overall pick and was a highly-touted prospect. But after six years of just average to decent level of play with stints in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and one mediocre year as a New York Knick, he seemed to be destined for a middling career. The fact that he was finally able to put it all together and reach his potential is what's just so great a story for Randle. The Knicks star is fully deserving of being the Most Improved Player, especially as he's now on undoubtedly the Most Improved Franchise.

Clarkson's journey to winning the Sixth Man of the Year award was a little more unexpected. He was originally selected by the Washington Wizards as a second round pick that the Lakers eventually acquired. But as Randle suffered a broken leg in his rookie year, Clarkson got a huge opportunity to strut his stuff. He spent three and a half seasons in LA developing into the lethal scorer that he now looks like today for the Utah Jazz.

Most Los Angeles Lakers fans look back at those years with Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson fondly. To see them finding success in other colors aside from Purple and Gold, you can't help but still feel a sense of pride.