Lakers Rumors: Three Reasons why it is unwise to trade Jordan Clarkson

1. Clarkson fits the narrative set forth by Los Angeles, perfectly

If you are a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, you have probably recognized what the team has tried to build over the past few seasons. The 20-year career of Kobe Bryant was great and all, but after injuries riddled plagued Bryant in the 2013-14 season the team realized the Black Mamba was the past. His farewell was great, and he will be missed greatly, but the team needed to start fresh.

First was Julius Randle, who was drafted seventh overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Unfortunately for Randle, he broke his right tibia in his first NBA game. This sidelined Randle for his entire first season.

Then came the second overall selections of D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram, and after Russell was traded to free up cap space, another second overall selection filled his shoes in Lonzo Ball.

As the Lakers’ current roster stands, fourteen players are 25 or younger, nine are 22 and younger. This team is attempting to build from the ground up with youth, and that is exactly what Clarkson provides.

Sure, Clarkson is on the higher end of the spectrum at 25, but he is young nonetheless. Clarkson arguably is the most developed of the young bunch and would serve as a face of the franchise moving forward. Sure, superstars are fun and all, but perhaps the team shouldn’t pursue a star and continue to build what they have.

Realize it or not, Clarkson is exactly what the Lakers want.