As expected, the Los Angeles Lakers are once again hot topics in NBA trade rumors. A few days ago, two names emerged as potential trade assets for the rebuilding franchise. These were Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle. A report by the Los Angeles Times suggested that one of them is not bothered by the trade talks.
Jordan Clarkson is the Los Angeles Lakers player believed to be unfazed by NBA trade rumors. The Los Angeles Times mentioned in its report that Clarkson is "having fun" this season, doing what the Lakers coaches ask of him, and is not concerned with the way he speaks to reporters.
These make it appear that the 25-year-old Mizzou product is not worried about any potential deal that would see him part ways with the purple and gold franchise.
NBA trade rumors are nothing new for Clarkson. He has been a regular in this type of conversation in the past few years, though the Lakers are yet to pull the trigger.
Solid season
Among the reasons why Jordan Clarkson is back in NBA trade rumors is his performance in the current campaign of the Los Angeles Lakers. Clarkson is putting up good numbers as a member of the Lakers' second unit.
In 35 games (two starts) for Los Angeles, Clarkson averaged 14.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per contest. His offensive output is enough for him to be the third-best scorer for the Lakers this season, just behind Kyle Kuzma (17.9 ppg) and Brandon Ingram (16.2 ppg).
Make room
The main reason the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to trade the likes of Jordan Clarkson is that they want to make room. It is no secret that the Lakers are aiming to sign prominent names when the 2018 free agency strikes. Their top targets include LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder's Paul George.
If they want to add either of the two or any available star players, they must clear some space in their salary cap.
Losing streak lives on
At the moment, it is likely that NBA trade rumors mean nothing to the Los Angeles Lakers who have now lost six consecutive outings, their longest losing streak this season. On New Year's Eve, Los Angeles, missing some key players, fell to the Houston Rockets, 148-142.
The Lakers led as much as 17 points, but they were unable to outlast the Rockets who needed two extra periods to defend their home court. The Lakers will stay on the road for their next game as they are set to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 1.
