Alleviated The Logjam
Some people say that having a lot of good players at the same position is a good problem to have. But, that is not always the case when it comes to an NBA team. Having all of your assets stacked in one area is not a great way to build a roster. That was a problem the Lakers were staring right in the face.
If Los Angeles wants to add Paul George, he or Brandon Ingram would have to play shooting guard. Add in the potential No. 2 overall pick, rumored to be UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball, and the Lakers were staring at a tough logjam to deal with. The easiest way to alleviate a logjam is through a trade, which the Lakers did.
With Russell on his way to Brooklyn, there is no question now where Ball will play if the Lakers select him; he will be the starting point guard. Clarkson has shown he can start at shooting guard but has also excelled as a sixth man combo guard off the bench.
With the plans that the Lakers are trying to execute, either Russell or Clarkson had to be on the move. Holding onto one to be the fourth or fifth guard would have made little sense. The Lakers decided that Russell was the player to move at the time, given the other things they gained from the deal, such as cap space. Another thing they gained is the basis of our next slide.