Lakers Rumors: Possible Trade Packages for Jordan Clarkson

This deal sees Timofey Mozgov return back to the Cleveland Cavaliers alongside Clarkson in return for the duo of Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith. The Lakers are getting a huge upgrade at the center position and only a minor downgrade at the shooting guard spot. Sure, they are giving up two second round picks, but this year they have two first round picks and next year they have two second round, meaning the Lakers are not really missing out on much in the draft department.

Thompson is a solid young guy that has been on championship teams and could bring that knowledge to the young rebuilding Lakers. Being the fourth or even fifth option on the Cavs starting five, Thompson is still averaging a respectable 8.1 and 9.2 rebounds per game. In a Lakers scheme, he would likely bring both of those numbers to double digits, adding in output alongside his championship experience.

Plus, the Lakers get a nice scorer off of the bench in J.R. Smith. While his age is a question and he is not the same J.R. Smith of old, he is still averaging 8.6 points off the Bench, and like with Thompson, could likely bring that number up to double digits on the Lakers.

Overall, this deal is nothing extraordinary, but it is a considerable upgrade in the overall talent of the team. The Lakers would be getting veteran leadership and talent, and the Cavs would be getting future picks that would help them – as they don’t have many.