Lakers Rumors: Parting with Jordan Clarkson shouldn’t be easy

The latest Lakers rumors are about the possibility of trading Jordan Clarkson for cap space.

Alright, so the Los Angeles Lakers are reaching another turning point as their young core continues to grow. Moving on from D’Angelo Russell, their starting point guard and former second overall pick, was one thing.

Dealing a bad contract in Timofey Mozgov meant giving up Russell as part of the casualty. That was okay because it made way for Lonzo Ball.

While not part of the young core, the Lakers also decided to part ways with bench star Lou Williams. The hard working sixth man was a special player for Los Angeles, but was traded to Houston in a deal that ended up giving Tyler Ennis a shot with the Lakers.

Jordan Clarkson getting moved for cap space is an idea being entertained for really only one reason. The reality of where the Lakers are it has them at a place where getting one or two superstars is the only way to show that the front office moves they made were worth it.

Paul George has been at the top of the free agent ticket list, but how things pan out in OKC this coming season dictate much of that. Summer free agency fever also has guys like LeBron James and Russell Westbrook on the Lakers’ radar.

But giving up Clarkson is more than just moving on. With Russell, you got enough in return to justify the decision. Getting rid of one of the best sixth men you have left to free up money for a star that may not commit long term is an iffy decision.

Knowing how badly Magic Johnson wants the Lakers to be great again — and quickly, at that — the chase for a superstar may very well come down to that. George has been vocal about the situation with Los Angeles, noting that he’d like them to add somebody on a superstar level to join him in purple and gold.

A Jordan Clarkson trade would also give mixed signals about how the Lakers really want to build their future. At first, the discussion usually centers around a young core. Guys like Clarkson, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, and now Lonzo Ball.

In the same breath, guys like LeBron James are still up for consideration. Putting their eggs in that basket means that the young core may not get top priority.

Next: Possible Trade Packages For Jordan Clarkson

We’ll have to wait and see what’s going on, but Jordan Clarkson may very well be on the move and there’s nothing fans can do about it.