Lakers Trade Rumors: The three best scenarios for Jordan Clarkson

Go after the former Slam Dunk champ that’s now in Chicago

Since being traded to the Bulls from Minnesota, we’ve yet to see what Zach LaVine can do for Chicago but aren’t far away from that as his return from injury was recently announced. Depending on how things go between now and the All-Star weekend, don’t be shocked to see LaVine’s name pop up again in the trade bubble.

If the Lakers have failed to get something done, this would be a route that wouldn’t be bad for either side also. Chicago wins this trade because they’ll get formidable help to backup to start alongside Kris Dunn, while the Lakers take a chance on LaVine staying healthy and helping them in the long term.

What the Lakers would also have to wonder if they were to consider a deal like this is if LaVine is worth the long term investment with his contract almost up or if it’s better to wait and shop Clarkson over the summer with more intent than before in a worst case scenario.

The situation might give the Bulls a bit of a spark that they need to continue climbing in the Eastern Conference standings and try to fight their way into a playoff berth.

I think this trade happens, again, only if the Lakers aren’t able to find a different trade partner and the All-Star weekend is looming. If Los Angeles is serious about trading cap space for Paul George and/or LeBron James, they won’t mind losing a trade for the moment.

If LaVine can be an explosive player for the Lakers, this too may also provide an answer to their shooting guard woes and fix it all up moving forward. If you’re the Lakers, this might realistically be your best bang for your buck.

Next: Why It's Okay To Trade Lonzo

But knowing Magic Johnson, getting rid of Clarkson will probably be made out to be harder than it needs to or should be.