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Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson has high expectations for Jordan Clarkson

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 2: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes instruction from head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the basketball game against Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center April 2, 2017, in Los Angeles, 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 2: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes instruction from head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the basketball game against Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center April 2, 2017, in Los Angeles, 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations, Magic Johnson, has high expectations for combo guard Jordan Clarkson.

Los Angeles Lakers combo guard Jordan Clarkson has had a busy offseason. He has had to deal with hearing his name in plenty of trade rumors the past few months.

It was revealed that Clarkson was a part of the trade package the Lakers offered to the Indiana Pacers for Paul George. Clarkson and power forward Julius Randle were both offered to the Pacers along with the 27th and 28th picks in the 2017 NBA Draft.

The Pacers ended up trading George to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for shooting guard Victor Oladipo and power forward Domantas Sabonis. Despite George being moved, Clarkson has yet again found himself linked to trade rumors.

Earlier this week it was revealed that the Lakers would be willing to trade Clarkson if it meant freeing up more cap space in the future. The Lakers are reportedly confident that they would be able to move Clarkson if the need arose.

Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers /

Los Angeles Lakers

For now, Clarkson remains on the Lakers’ roster. For a while, he was the only holdover in the Lakers’ backcourt from last season. Gone are last season’s starters D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young. Russell was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a cap saving move, as he was attached to Timofey Mozgov‘s contract.

Russell was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a cap saving move, as he was attached to Timofey Mozgov’s contract. Young opted out of his contract and ended up signing with the Golden State Warriors.

In their place, the Lakers will deploy the No. 2 overall pick from the 2017 NBA Draft, Lonzo Ball, and free agent acquisition Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Tyler Ennis was re-signed to a two-year deal, and Josh Hart was selected with the 30th pick in the draft.

That leaves Clarkson in the sixth man role off the bench as a combo guard. As long as Clarkson remains on the roster, the Lakers are going to have high expectations for him.

As one of the elder statesmen on the roster, Clarkson will be relied upon for some leadership. His skill set plays well with the second unit, and Magic Johnson has some high expectations for him heading into the 2017-18 season.

Johnson made an appearance at Clarkson’s Nike JC6 Kid’s Basketball Camp this week. Before talking with the campers, Johnson shared his expectations for Clarkson this season, and they are not very modest.

"“We’re excited about our season,” Johnson said before taking questions from the kids. “He (Clarkson) is going to play a major role in us being a better team this year. We felt we put some weapons around him that would even make his game better. I have challenged him because I want him to be Sixth Man of the Year, so I’ve challenged him to play like that. I think he has the potential, the talent, he’s worked hard this summer.”"

Those are lofty goals for Clarkson. The Sixth Man of the Year award is always a hotly contested award with so many talented players coming off the bench in the NBA. Clarkson undoubtedly has the talent to be in the running and is in a great situation to succeed.

Clarkson should thrive in the sixth man role as he will be afforded the chance to do what he does best; score the ball. Clarkson, like his teammates, should benefit from playing alongside a player as talented at passing the ball as Ball.

Clarkson has been a solid player for the Lakers in his first three seasons. He has done whatever the team has asked of him, as he has started at both guard spots and came off the bench as well. This season, he will be asked to come off the bench once again and should provide the Lakers second unit with some good production.

Next: 5 Potential Landing Spots For Jordan Clarkson

If he comes close to winning the Sixth Man of the Year award, the Lakers should have no trouble moving him if they so choose to. But, if he plays well, he could also help them down the road as they continue their rebuild.

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