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Los Angeles Lakers trade Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. to Cavaliers

By Nick Ziegler

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 8: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics on November 8, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 8: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics on November 8, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers were able to make a big splash before the NBA Trade Deadline, as they traded Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance. Jr to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Coming into the NBA Trade Deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers changed their tune quite a bit. For the last year, the Lakers have been focused on clearing cap space for the 2018 offseason. However, that focus reportedly changed to the 2019 offseason.

With big free agents like LeBron James, Paul George, and DeMarcus Cousins, the Lakers had the desire to land two of them. However, their play of late might has been very encouraging and the organization didn’t feel the desire to blow it up just to create cap space.

However, a good deal came along for the Lakers, and they were able to get a great deal from the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers will be sending Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and a protected 2018 first round pick of the Cavaliers.

This is certainly a great deal for the Lakers, as they will now be in a great position to sign two max players this offseason in both 2018 and 2019 now. Also, they were able to get the first round pick of the Cavaliers. Since the Lakers didn’t have a first-round pick this year, this is also another great asset for them moving forward.

Now, the Lakers are in a great position heading into this offseason. With another first-round pick at their disposal and enough cap space for two max free agents, the Lakers might be able to pull off the impossible and land both LeBron James and Paul George.

Next: 4 Possible trade destinations for Julius Randle

For the Cavaliers, acquiring Clarkson and Nance might help them right now, as they will both be valuable bench players. However, they did just make James leaving for Los Angeles this offseason possible. If this deal ends up helping the Cavaliers win a title, it will be a good one. However, if it doesn’t, the Cavaliers might not have anyone to blame but themselves if James leaves for the Lakers.

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