Lakers Rumors: Updated trade packages for Jordan Clarkson
By Jason Reed
If we are being honest here, the Lakers would take a downgrade in terms of talent. Alex Abrines as a rookie last season did not do much and Doug McDermott has been okay but has not lived up to expectations. However, the Lakers would be taking in three million less, at the most only needing to pay McDermott for one more season and Abrines two.
According to the NBA Trade Machine, this deal actually is not doable as the Thunder would be 100,000 over the salary cap. However, OKC could throw in a very inexpensive player or have the Lakers agree to pay that 100,000 of Clarkson’s contract. It is an easy fix for this deal.
The fact of the matter is the Thunder need a viable shooting guard option. Victor Oladipo was sent to Indiana in the Paul George deal, and Andre Roberson does not seem suited to be a starting two-guard. That is where the Thunder can bring in Clarkson, providing another scoring option alongside George and Westbrook. He is the perfect role player for this team.
In exchange, the Lakers would get more depth. Abrines could test his chops in the starting unit, as he is still young, or the Lakers could even throw Josh Hart a bone and start him. McDermott would be a great one year backup behind Brandon Ingram, and the Lakers get future picks.
Granted, if the 2019 pick falls out of the lottery then the Lakers would not get it. However, with George likely leaving OKC after this year, it is very possible that it could.