Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson received some interest from the rival teams across the NBA during the 2017 NBA trade deadline, according to Mike Bresnahan of Spectrum Sportsnet. The Lakers were largely asked about Clarkson's availability in recent days, claims the Spectrum Sportsnet reporter - who is known to have big knowledge of what is happening inside the team. However, the 16-time NBA champions opted not to trade its point guard at the trade deadline. Bresnahan said ''almost'' every phone call the team did receive was to check out Clarkson's availability.
Teams tried to play smart with the Lakers
Jordan Clarkson is a rising player in the NBA, but he has had an inconsistent season - which seems to have led some teams to try to somehow get him away from Los Angeles. Prior to the 2016/2017 NBA season, Clarkson was expected to start alongside D'Angelo Russell in the Lakers' starting five. Coach Luke Walton then made a surprise move before the season started, announcing that veteran Nick Young will be a starter and that the Philippino guard will have a sixth man role off the bench.
On the season, Clarkson is averaging 13.7 points, 2.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game. Compared to last year's campaign - when he did average 15.5 points, 2.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds per contest - it's a downgrade.
Those interested in the Philippino guard could have thought that the Lakers are ready to trade the player due to his inconsistent campaign. ''Maybe teams are kind of prodding the Lakers to see if he's a little bit undervalued,'' Bresnahan opinioned, as quoted by Silver Screen and Roll. But, most importantly, the team from L.A.
decided to ride with its promising guard.
Keeping Clarkson was a great move by the Lakers
During this past offseason, Jordan Clarkson signed a four-year contract worth $50 million with the Los Angeles Lakers. There were teams interested in signing the 24-year-old, but he made it clear from the start that he wants to remain in L.A.
Eventually, the two sides easily reached an agreement, so there's no need for Clarkson to be shipped out of the city. He is still young and can develop. The Lakers won't be making this year's postseason as they hold the third-worst record in the NBA. Clarkson's contract is a bargain knowing how big the salary cap is in the league now. There was definitely no need for the Lakers and its president of basketball operations, Magic Johnson, to trade Clarkson, as they can buy some time with him - and, if it doesn't work out - the team can see its options and potentially deal Clarkson to someone.
