Lakers: 5 Questions for Management and Coaches

December 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) moves the ball against Houston Rockets forward Clint Capela (15) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

4. Do the Lakers intend to re-sign Clarkson, who is a free agent after this season?

Clarkson has probably been the best, most consistent Lakers player this year, averaging nearly 15 points and shooting 46 percent from the field. He has improved his outside shot and his defense, and is still only 23 years old, which means his prime years are still ahead.

He will be a restricted free agent, so the Lakers can match any team’s offer for him (or just sign him outright). It has been speculated that he might be offered $10 or $12 million per season, or perhaps even more. How good does management think he will eventually be? And how much are they willing to spend to keep him?

5. Why is Tarik Black buried deep at the end of the Lakers bench?

In 38 games with the team last year, Black was an energetic sparkplug, averaging seven points and six rebounds in just 21 minutes per game. He’s still only 24 years old, and seems to have potential as a keeper for the future. Yet he has appeared in only eight games this season, mostly in garbage time. Why does Scott refuse to play him?

Did Tarik insult Byron at practice? Or is it part of the team’s master plan to keep him on the bench? Black is also a restricted free agent at season’s end. By not playing him, are the Lakers trying to keep his contract value down so they can re-sign him relatively cheaply? Or is that giving management too much credit?

Stay tuned, folks, for answers to these questions and more.