Lakers: Three trade returns for a Clarkson-Randle package

Despite having Lonzo Ball to man the point, the Lakers can package both Clarkson and Deng to get a great established point guard in Eric Bledsoe. Los Angeles could run a unique back court with Ball and Bledsoe, and due to Ball’s distributing skills and Bledsoe’s knack for scoring, this partnership could actually pan out quite nicely.

Bledsoe is under contract for just two more seasons, making him a free agent in the 2019 offseason. The Suns are in no place to make any runs for contention in the next two years, so it makes sense to deal the one established talent they have to bring in even more young talent. Bledsoe will likely walk away from Phoenix anyways, so might as well get something for it.

However, if he gets traded to the Lakers, he could settle down and sign a somewhat significant contract with the team. By the time the 2018 offseason rolls around Bledsoe will have one more year left under contract. This guarantee will make it easier for the next star to come to Los Angeles and if they land said star will only increase Bledsoe’s chances of staying.

Fifteen million a year is not a bad price for Bledsoe. The gritty guard averaged 21.1 points, 6.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game last season. Bledsoe will fit in almost perfectly with a pass first guard like Ball and “Mini LeBron” may just tempt the actual LeBron to fulfill the rumors and come to Los Angeles.