Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson attempts a layup against Philadelphia 76ers' Nerlens Noel. (Photo : Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott had high hopes for the backcourt tandem of last season's All-Rookie First Teamer Jordan Clarkson and this year's second overall draft pick D'Angelo Russell, telling reporters that the pair will be the future of the franchise.
However, 24 games into the season, it looks like the pairing had not worked out quite well for Scott as he decided to bench Russell and start 2015 NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee Lou Williams in place of the rookie.
Thus, for the reason that the Hollywood franchise is reportedly favoring Russell and fellow "rookie" Julius Randle over Clarkson to be the main men of the Lakers moving forward, the Filipino-American is said to be on the trading block this midseason, as per Sports World Report.
Randle, the 2014 seventh overall pick that played only three quarters before suffering a season-ending injury last year, is allegedly a better complement to Russell and so both players were allegedly placed on the bench in an effort to "preserve" them until Kobe Bryant retires.
Clarkson is actually the Lakers' most consistent player at the moment, averaging 15.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 31.5 minutes a night in 22 games so far this season. And that came playing alongside ball-domineering Bryant.
Bleacher Report noted that with his outstanding play, Clarkson is L.A.'s best trade bait right now.
With the 23-year-old set to command a massive increase in salary next summer when he becomes a restricted free agent, the Lakers will not be able to match potential significant offers headed his way especially if they will try to pursue Kevin Durant as well.
So trading Clarkson would be the best and most practical move for the Lakers at this point of the season.
