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Who is part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ young core?

By Ravi Krishnaswamy

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 9: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts his head on the shoulder of head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers as he waits to check back into the game with rest of his teammates D'Angelo Russell #1 Julius Randle #30 and Larry Nance Jr. #7 during the second half of the basketball game against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center April 9, 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 9: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts his head on the shoulder of head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers as he waits to check back into the game with rest of his teammates D'Angelo Russell #1 Julius Randle #30 and Larry Nance Jr. #7 during the second half of the basketball game against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center April 9, 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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The Los Angeles Lakers have a talented, young roster. Which players may be part of their core?

The Los Angeles Lakers are absolutely stacked with young talent and are currently in the process of observing which players will blossom into All-Stars. With Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram heralded as franchise cornerstones, it’s unclear as to what the Lakers’ front office has in store for the rest of the roster.

General Manager Rob Pelinka recently stated on “The Dan Patrick Show” his desire to acquire two superstars next off-season in an attempt to find a healthy balance between young talent and star power.

However, in order for the Lakers to acquire two superstars next off-season, the front office will likely have to move parts of their young core to clear the requisite space. Here I will discuss which players are most likely to be moved this season.

Related Story: 5 Potential Landing Spots For Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson 

With the Lakers front office placing a large emphasis on versatility I think Jordan Clarkson is a prime candidate to get moved. Clarkson is a solid player but needs the ball in his hands to be effective. As a result, he classifies more as a point guard than a shooting guard.

In today’s NBA, players need to be able to play, and most importantly, defend multiple positions. Outside of being a capable ball handler and a decent scorer, Clarkson doesn’t impact the game anywhere else.

The Lakers’ decision to select Villanova shooting guard, Josh Hart, makes Clarkson all the more expendable. Unless he dramatically improves his outside shooting and defense I see Clarkson as a prime candidate to get moved.

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Julius Randle 

I have been a supporter of Julius Randle since the day he was drafted, but I have to admit he is looking more and more expendable by the day. He did show improvement during his first year under Head Coach Luke Walton putting up season averages of 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting a career high 49 percent from the field.

However, his offense is very predictable and his range is still limited. While Randle is still young, he has rookie Kyle Kuzma breathing down his neck ready to take his spot. Kuzma projects as the modern day stretch-four while Randle projects as the old school bruising power forward.

With Randle in line for a massive extension next summer, the Lakers will have the incentive to deal him if he is out-shined by the cheaper Kuzma.

New Regime

It is blatantly obvious that Magic Johnson and Pelinka are trying to wash away the sins committed by their predecessors. The new regime inherited the abominations that were the contracts of Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov. The cost of moving Mozgov meant including D’Angelo Russell while the cost of moving Deng is yet to be determined.

In order to clear the cap space required to sign two superstars next summer, the Lakers’ front office will have to move Deng, Clarkson, or Randle in some combination. Clarkson and Randle were both mired in trade rumors this offseason and the arrivals of Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma make their departure seem all but inevitable.

Next: 10 Greatest Free Agent Signings In Lakers History

Will the Lakers land two big fishes next summer? Maybe, maybe not, but it is important for them to have the flexibility to pursue their dream scenario. If the Lakers are able to land two superstars it would propel them right back into championship contention.

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