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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons trading Jordan Clarkson is the right move

By Donny McHenry

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 19: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 19, 2018 at STAPLES Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 19: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 19, 2018 at STAPLES Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pauses between plays during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena on January 28, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Trading Clarkson Would Clear Up Space For Max Contracts

At the end of the day, is it worth it to risk losing the chance at two huge free agents in the 2018 offseason just to keep Clarkson? With names like Paul George, LeBron James, and DeMarcus Cousins set to hit free agency, the argument to keep Clarkson seems pointless.

As it stands right now, the Lakers will be using around $53.9 million in cap space for the 2018-19 season. This allows around $48 million in cap space for the Lakers to use in the 2018 offseason. This would allow the Lakers to sign one of the three big-name free agents in 2018, but not two.

The key seems to be making a trade revolving around Jordan Clarkson to free up cap space. As Bleacher Report explains, to sign two of the three big names that were mentioned, the Lakers would need between $61.2 million and $71.4 million in cap space.

$61.2 million would be enough for George and Cousins to wear the purple and gold next season, but not George/Cousins with LeBron. $71.4 million would be needed to bring the best basketball player in the NBA, LeBron, to L.A. with George or Cousins.

To get from the current $48 million in cap space to $61.2 million, it’s pretty obvious that Clarkson’s contract will have to go. He’s due $12.5 million in 2018-19, and trading him would free up around $61 million which would be enough for George and Cousins.

The problem is that LeBron James has been heavily rumored to be leaving Cleveland for L.A., and if you have a chance to get him, you have to take it. That would require the Clarkson/Deng trade talked about above, which would be the key to the dream signing of LeBron with George/Cousins.

Next: 5 Potential Landing Spots For Jordan Clarkson

Needless to say, the Lakers future is riding on the potential trade of Jordan Clarkson. Looking at everything, it’s hard to argue against trading Clarkson. We will see how Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka handle Clarkson at the trade deadline with the 2018 offseason looming.

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