Jordan Clarkson (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers combo guard Jordan Clarkson will reportedly draw interest from the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers once he hits the market as a restricted free-agent. In an article on Sportsrageous.com, it was reported that Clarkson's impending free-agency might create problems for the Lakers top-brass this offseason.
-the Knicks, Bucks and Sixers are the teams to look out once Clarkson becomes a free-agent this summer. Although there are tons of options at the guard position in the free-agency pool, the Fil-American standout could become a fall-back options for these teams, who are all in search for an All-Star material playmaker.
-After earning just under $1MM in his first two seasons with the Lakers, Clarkson will demand a contract worth between $5 MM to $7MM per season. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak admitted that he received trade offers for the Lakers youngsters (including Clarkson) at trade deadline, but the executive is adamant in keeping the young core intact. However, that could change if Clarkson suddenly receives an offer way above his current market value.
-Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reported that the Lakers intend to keep center Roy Hibbert for the remainder of the season after failing to trade him at deadline. While the Lakers still have 24 hours to decide on Hibbert's future, Kyler the chance of Hibbert being bought out is pretty slim.
"The Lakers like the veteran center, value his leadership with the young guys and do not see him as a problem they need to solve." Hibbert has $4.952 million left on his contract and the only way a buyout becomes plausible is if Hibbert is willing to leave a sizable chunk of that on the table and request a buyout, which sources say he has not done," according to Kyler.
Clarkson is averaging 15.2 points and 4.0 rebounds in 32 minutes per contest this season.
