Lakers Offseason: Jordan Clarkson On Restricted Free Agency ‘I Want To Stay in LA’
By Eric Yee
As has been the storyline, junior guard, Jordan Clarkson fully expects to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season
Of the many young players on the Lakers, second round pick Jordan Clarkson has done his best to document the fact that he has been in the gym putting in work to become the best player he can be.
As you may already know, Clarkson is a restricted free agent this offseason which means the Lakers can match any offer which receives this summer, something which they are expected to do.
On Wednesday, Lakers’ reporter Chris McGee caught up with the University of Missouri product and he made his intentions clear that he fully expects to return to Los Angeles next season.
When asked about being a restricted free agent he quickly responded,
"I want to stay in LA so, you know, I’m coming in here practicing… in workouts, lifting weights. I spend a lot of time in here so . . .I don’t look at it as … me being like a free agent or nothing, cause you know I want to be here."
Though this isn’t breaking news, as it was readily assumed that Jordan Clarkson would be a major part of the Lakers’ young core moving forward, it is still nice to get some reassuring from time to time.
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Clarkson went on to mention that despite it being an exciting time for him and his family, he is still focused on what is important: “Trying to get better and to win games next year.”
In regards to what he’s working on specifically this summer, he talked about trying to get his three point percentage up, finishing at the rim and even adding weight, but there was no mention of improving defensively which was a major problem for Clarkson last year.
The Los Angeles Lakers will have their fair share of questions to answer in terms of what free agents they will try and pursue this offseason and who they will choose with their second overall draft pick, but the team would be wise to make taking care of Clarkson one of their top priorities.
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With the shortened moratorium period, free agents are officially allowed to sign deals on July 7 at 12:01 AM so fully expect the Lakers to sign Clarkson early or match any offer that he receives this summer.