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Lakers: Ranking how likely each player is of getting traded this season

By Jason Reed

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: The Los Angeles Lakers players lock arms during the national anthem before the start of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on September 30, 2017 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: The Los Angeles Lakers players lock arms during the national anthem before the start of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on September 30, 2017 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 02: Jordan Clarkson (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 02: Jordan Clarkson (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

75% chance:

  • Jordan Clarkson 

Personally, I am a huge fan of Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson is a very talented guard that brings a much-needed dynamic to the Lakers. He is young, he can score and most importantly, he adds depth to the Los Angeles Lakers. Clarkson is one of the most talented players on the Lakers.

However, on the flip side, he is overpaid. While Clarkson definitely is a solid player, he has not yet proved to be worth over $12 million a year. Clarkson netted a four-year, $50 million contract after just his second season in the league. In that season, Clarkson averaged 15.5 points per game.

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Now, Clarkson has three years and $37.5 million left on that contract. When the deal was signed, it was not so bad as the Lakers had no real plans of contending in the near future. Now, with Magic Johnson calling the shots, the Lakers are looking to free up as much salary as possible. Because of that, Clarkson may be the first to go.

Clarkson is the easiest contract to trade because he does not need to be packaged with a young star like Luol Deng does. The Lakers can simply swap Clarkson for an expiring deal, and in fact, get young talent and/or a draft pick out of it as well.

The Thunder got Paul George for a package headlined by Victor Oladipo; Clarkson is on Oladipo’s level.

While Los Angeles likely will not get a star for Clarkson, they will get the room to acquire a star. Drafting Lonzo Ball and bringing in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope only signaled a trade for Clarkson, and now, it seems to be a matter of time.

Next: DeMarcus Cousins needs to become a priority for the Lakers

At the end of the day, even after a trade happens the Lakers rumors will continue. For a team that has the kind of history as the Lakers, these rumors will continue until they hold that gold above their heads once more.

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