Los Angeles Lakers: Who to Trade and Who to Keep

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, CA – JANUARY 09: Magic Johnson attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on January 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /

So…Who Gets Traded?

As I said above, it would be smarter for the Lakers to trade Nance over Randle, given Randle’s overall talent. If Randle isn’t traded, it’ll lead to a very interesting offseason with his contract. The Lakers are trying to win sooner rather than later though, and Randle gives them more talent than Nance.

It would be wise to keep Clarkson through this year’s trade deadline. It’s the safe bet given his talent and the Lakers’ control over his contract through the 2019-20 season. Even if the Lakers sign Paul George in the offseason, Clarkson would be a valuable asset off the bench.

Although, if the Lakers intend on hitting a home run in free agency, it would be best to trade Clarkson and the $12.5 million owed to him next season. That would clear a lot more space to sign two big names like Paul George, LeBron James, or DeMarcus Cousins.

Next: 3 Takeaways from win against Kings

All that said, let’s keep it safe regarding Clarkson and the trade deadline, and get aggressive in the offseason.

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