The Los Angeles Lakers' backcourt duo of D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson could be on the trading block if the LA decides to pick another point guard prospect in this year's draft.
According to Chad Ford of ESPN, the Lakers are reportedly among the many teams that have "shown interest" in Providence point guard Kris Dunn, who has been projected as the No. 7 pick in Sports Illustrated's latest NBA mock draft.
It remains to be seen whether the Lakers have a strong interest in selecting Dunn at No. 2, especially with other talented prospects like Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram and Dragan Bender up for grabs as the second pick. But if the Lakers select Dunn at No. 2, it means adding another guard to the Lakers' already loaded backcourt rotation.
The Lakers have shown interest in keeping and developing Russell, last year's No. 2 pick, and while Clarkson is set to become a restricted free agent, the team is expected to retain the combo guard, who has been consistent on the offensive end. However, there is a growing sense that the Lakers could trade either of the two if Dunn comes to LA, as the value of Russell and Clarkson would surely net something more valuable in return.
Los Angeles has been linked to numerous trade rumors, including potential deals for Chicago Bulls rising star Jimmy Butler and Philadelphia 76ers big man Jahlil Okafor at the expense of Russell and other tradable assets. Clarkson, on the other hand, is seldom mentioned in trade talks, but like Russell, he could also get the Lakers a decent package of key players.
Nevertheless, it seems the Lakers are likely to keep both players as they believe Russell and Clarkson could be an integral part for the team moving forward. Moreover, the Purple and Gold could be more inclined in picking the likes of Simmons and Ingram, although the Lakers are "not locked on anyone," according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
The Lakers have shown they are ready to be contenders in the league again after bringing Luke Walton as the team's new head coach. LA would probably want to see what the likes of Russell and Clarkson would become under the helms of Walton, who wheeled the Golden State Warriors to a 39-4 start this season as interim coach.
Hence, there is a great possibility the Lakers want to keep their backcourt and youngsters intact, unless an opportunity for acquire Butler or Paul George appears.