Lake Show Life
Fansided

22 Players the Los Angeles Lakers gave up on way too soon

By Tyler Watts

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 22
Next
Los Angeles Lakers, Jordan Clarkson
Los Angeles Lakers, Jordan Clarkson (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /

18. Jordan Clarkson

The Lakers drafted Clarkson with the 46th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, and he immediately cracked the rotation. The 6’4 guard averaged 11.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in 25.0 minutes per game as a rookie. He moved into a starting role for the next two years as he averaged over 15 points per game in 30.7 minutes each night.

The Lakers struggled throughout Clarkson’s tenure in LA. They won just 64 games in three seasons before he was traded with Larry Nance Jr. to Cleveland at the 2018 deadline for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and one first-round draft pick. It was two quality rotation pieces for two expiring contracts and a first-round selection. When the pick did not work out, The Lakers were left with virtually zero return for Clarkson and Nance Jr.

Clarkson played two seasons in Cleveland before being traded to Utah where he has taken his game to new heights. The 6’4 guard won Sixth Man of the Year in 2021, and he averaged 17.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 26.9 minutes per game during his first two seasons with the Jazz.

The Lakers knew he was a steady scorer that could be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year, but they traded him for cap relief after signing him to a four-year $50 million contract. It was fair market value as the Jazz just gave Clarkson a new four-year $51 million deal in 2020. Los Angeles just let the 6’4 guard get away too soon.

Home/Lakers All-Time Lists