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Los Angeles Lakers: Who to Trade and Who to Keep

By Donny McHenry

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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Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 03: Jordan Clarkson /

Jordan Clarkson

With the crowded frontcourt, the Lakers have a not-so-crowded backcourt. For the future, Lonzo Ball is the starter at point guard and Brandon Ingram is the starter at small forward. The shooting guard position on the other hand, leaves much to be desired.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has mostly been the starter at the position, with Clarkson getting good minutes off the bench. KCP was signed to a one year “prove it” deal, and he has yet to prove much to the Lakers to make them want to resign him. With KCP probably gone next year and the only other shooting guard being Josh Hart, Clarkson would seem to be the best bet for the Lakers going forward.

If you have paid any attention to the Paul George/LA drama lately, you would know that’s not the case. If the Lakers feel they have a strong chance to sign Paul George, then Clarkson’s days in L.A. may be numbered. Move those chances closer to 0% if the Lakers feel they have a good shot at LeBron James. However, shooting guard talent on the roster isn’t the only factor in deciding to trade Clarkson. He is also signed through the 2019-20 season on a very cheap deal. I mean, the man is making about $6 million less than Luol Deng per season.

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