The latest Lakers trade rumors to know before the deadline
By Jason Reed
The 2018 NBA Trade deadline is fast approaching. As it does, the Lakers trade rumors are directly growing as well.
If all of the speculation, all the Lakers trade rumors in the past year signal anything, it is that the Los Angeles Lakers are going to make some sort of move before the NBA Trade Deadline.
Back in the early stages of the 2017-2018 season, we predicted that some sort of blockbuster deal would transpire. Now, although that blockbuster deal is more than likely off the cards, the possibility still remains that Los Angeles is looking for some kind of deal.
The two main focal points of the Lakers trade rumors are Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson, for completely different reasons.
Randle is a restricted free agent this season and likely will not re-sign with the Lakers, unless he takes a very significant pay cut. Plus, with the emergence of Kyle Kuzma and the depth of Larry Nance Jr, the Lakers are in a position where they do not even need Randle. Thus, the team should be looking to get something out of the young forward.
And that something may just be to partner alongside Jordan Clarkson so the Lakers can get Clarkson off of the books. Clarkson has been great for the Lakers and has been the ideal backup point guard. However, $25 million over the next two seasons does not necessarily fit the Lakers’ budget.
Thus, with that being said, let’s run down the three most recent Lakers trade rumors and what they may mean for LA.