The New York Knicks may have found their "lead guard" in Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson.
The Knicks have been in the hunt for a bona fide point guard talented who could run the team's offense following a disappointing season that also saw a dismay in New York's PG rotation. Knicks general manager Steve Mills has insisted that the Knicks have a clear need of a "lead guard," which could potentially be Clarkson, according to ESPN's Ian Begley.
"Restricted Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson also has fans in the Knicks organization, but it seems as if Los Angeles will retain the second-year player," Begley wrote.
Among the Lakers' core of young talents, Clarkson has been the most consistent in terms of scoring and playmaking, with a career average of 14.0 points and 2.9 assists per game in his two seasons in Los Angeles.
Whether it be a run-and-gun offense or triangle offense, Clarkson would fit well as the Knicks' main point guard due to his shooting and athleticism. Clarkson would be an upgrade over the likes of Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant as he could spark the production in the Knicks' backcourt department, although the Missouri product still need improvement on the defensive end.
It is almost certain that the Lakers would retain Clarkson, who heads to the offseason as a restricted free agent. With the Lakers having a projected max cap space of $62.6 million to pursue free agents, they certainly have plenty of money to match any offer given to Clarkson from other teams.
Clarkson is also confident about his future with the 16-time NBA champs and insisted his desire to remain a Laker for the coming years.
"Being here, them giving me the opportunity by drafting me at 46[th overall] and us having those two bad seasons, I definitely want to be around when stuff changes and we get to winning again," Clarkson told SB Nation's Silver Screen and Roll. "I've just had a good experience here, so I wouldn't want to leave and experience anything else."
There is little to be known about the Knicks' true intentions in pursuing Clarkson in free agency, but it may not be relevant if the Lakers wishes to keep their young talents intact for the next season.