The Los Angeles Lakers could let Jordan Clarkson walk away this summer should they land two max free-agents this offseason. According to Sportsrageous, the Lakers won't mind losing Clarkson as long as they can nab the free-agents on their wish list.
The 23-year old Clarkson is putting up career numbers (15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 32 minutes game), but his future with the Lakers is everything but secured. With the team more determined to use their cap space for max-level free-agents (Hassan Whiteside, DeMar DeRozan and Nicolas Batum) and potential successor of Kobe Bryant, locking Clarkson is clearly not a priority.
Another reason why the Lakers won't rush in signing Clarkson to a deal is their ability to match any contract offered to the restricted free-agent. According to ESPN affiliated site forum blue and gold, the guard can demand as much as $6 million to $7 million per year, and max money for the last two years of the deal.
Bleacher Report writer Kevin Ding believes DeRozan is a potential candidate to be the Lakers next go-to-guy in the backcourt largely because of his affinity with the city of Los Angeles.
Verdict: I totally buy this report. There's any doubt Clarkson has the tools to become an established player in this league. Heck, he can even become an All-Star one day. However, the Lakers would prefer building a championship through free-agency than stock piling young talents who need 3 to 4 more years to fully bloom.
If the Lakers get their hands on DeRozan or Batum, then Clarkson's days with the Lakers are over. Moreover, his tenure with the purple and gold will entirely depend on the offers he gets. Should he receive a contract in the ball park of $6 million to $7 million per year, the Lakers will sure match it. But any value beyond that price would be too much for the Lakers to shell out.