Lake Show Life
Fansided

Lakers Rumors: 50/50 shot Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle traded

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 3: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with teammate Julius Randle #30 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on November 3, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 3: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts with teammate Julius Randle #30 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on November 3, 2017 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, as it is a coin flip if they will be traded.

Many Los Angeles Lakers rumors have involved two players, power forward Julius Randle and sixth man Jordan Clarkson. With an eye towards free agency and clearing cap space, those are arguably the Lakers two best assets.

Randle has transformed himself this season. He is having a career-season, finding his groove as the starting power forward alongside Brook Lopez after dominating off the bench. Clarkson is also having a strong season as the team’s sixth man.

While both are playing well, both may not be in the Lakers’ future plans. Randle is set for a huge raise as he will hit restricted free agency this summer. Clarkson’s contract, while not an albatross, is a hindrance if the Lakers want to land two max-contract players.

As a result, both players have been on the trade block for a while. They were part of the package proposed to the Indiana Pacers last offseason for Paul George. Around Christmas, it was reported that Clarkson could be on the move. At the end of December, it was reported that the Lakers would love to trade Clarkson and Randle.

Must Read: 4 Possible Trade Destinations For Julius Randle

While it sounded like the Lakers were intent on moving Randle and Clarkson, their tune may have changed recently. According to Ramona Shelbourne and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the odds of the Lakers traded Clarkson or Randle are 50/50.

"While the Lakers could still move either or both players before Thursday’s trade deadline, one league source put the chances of a meaningful trade at “50-50 at best.”"

This week it was reported that the Lakers were shifting their focus to the 2019 free agent class. There are a number of reasons for this, one of which could be the recent play of the team.

More from Lake Show Life

The Lakers are playing the best basketball of the season in recent weeks. They are riding a three-game winning streak, and have won 11 of their last 15 games. Another encouraging sign is that they have a majority of that damage without Lonzo Ball.

The Lakers were embarrassing without Ball originally, losing their first eight games he didn’t suit up in. Head coach Luke Walton made some adjustments this time around, and they are beginning to figure things out without their starting point guard.

A big reason for the success is the play of Randle and Clarkson. They are the heart of the team as the two longest-tenured players on the team. Is chasing cap space worth messing with the improving team chemistry and cohesion being built?

Next: 5 Potential Landing Spots For Jordan Clarkson

There are less than 18 hours until the NBA Trade Deadline. Will the Lakers chase that cap space by unloading Clarkson and Randle? Or will they hold onto them and keep them as a part of the core going forward? We will have to wait and find out!

Home/Lakers Rumors