Between now and the 2018 trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers could be forced to part ways with a prominent player or two to create cap space for a couple of superstar free agents.
This offseason was just the opening act for Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers. The real fun will start next offseason when the franchise is expected to make sparks fly during 2018 NBA free agency.
Before they can dream of making a tsunami-sized splash, though, the Lakers are going to need to do some more maneuvering in the salary cap department. They’ve still got some lingering contract issues that could limit their spending power during free agency. Don’t, however, think that Magic will stand pat and simply hope for the best next offseason.
Instead, Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka are expected to make some brazen moves between now and the 2018 trade deadline to prepare themselves financially for a spending spree. It won’t be easy. Some difficult decisions will need to be made. Then again, it’s not like this duo had trouble making tough calls back in June.
That means a few notable names could be sent packing before Feb. 8.
Related Story: 5 Lakers with the most to prove in 2017-18
So here they are — the Lakers’ top three trade candidates during the 2017-18. Don’t be surprised to see one (or all) of these players wearing different jerseys before the 2018 trade deadline is in the rear-view mirror.
Julius Randle, PF
I’m starting this list off with Julius Randle, whose 2017-18 season could end in a number of ways. It largely comes down to what other pieces the Lakers move, and what type of progress the former No. 7 overall pick shows during the first half of the season.
Randle’s situation is a tricky one. On one hand, the Lakers want to keep as many of their young, promising pieces as possible. He’s a capable starting power forward, and has taken significant steps in his development since missing his rookie season due to a broken leg.
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At the same time, retaining him won’t be easy or cheap. He’s headed into a contract year, and is set to be a restricted free agent in 2018. More than likely, there will be some interested parties willing to sign him to sizable offer sheets. The Lakers could match or re-sign him, but it’s going to be an expensive endeavor either way.
If they’re still unsure of his future at that point, maybe it’s best to avoid a big payday for Randle. Instead, they trade him away, potentially as an incentive for another team to take on one of the Lakers’ more expensive contracts (more on that later). One way or another, getting some sort of compensation for him would be ideal.
It’s a tough situation to be in for this Lakers front office. Randle has flashed potential at times, but is limited in some important areas and doesn’t fit the mold of today’s power forward. If they decide they’d rather not deal with figuring out his future, they could opt to trade him away.
Just an FYI: Randle got married this past week, and Nick Young had it covered.
Jordan Clarkson, PG
Jordan Clarkson’s story is a great one, and one that many Lakers fans love to root for. Unfortunately, depending on how things play out in the coming months, he may not be a part of this Los Angeles roster much longer.
The reason is simple. Considering what he brings to the table, Clarkson is making too much money. People tend to focus on Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng as the previous regime’s big blunders, but it’s often overlooked that they overpaid for Clarkson as well. The former second round pick and backup point guard simply shouldn’t be making $12.5 million per year.
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That bloated figure could be an issue for the Lakers’ and their well-documented plan to spend big next offseason.
Now moving on from Clarkson would undoubtedly be painful. Although not as sensational as some fans would lead you to believe, he’s more than capable of contributing off the bench. He figures to be the top backup guard this offseason, providing support for both Lonzo Ball and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
In the end, though, what matters more to the Lakers? Keeping a slightly overpaid backup guard, or making space to acquire a couple of superstars via free agency? If you ask me, the answer is clear as day.
Trade Clarkson to a guard-needy team willing to package together an expiring contract and some draft compensation. For the Lakers, it’s a short-term loss for a long-term gain.
Luol Deng, SF
Here it is — the lingering black eye from the Jim Buss/Mitch Kupchak regime.
If the Lakers plan on making waves during 2018 free agency, they need to find a way to unload Luol Deng and the three years/$54 million left on his contract. They already managed to find a taker for Mozgov’s pathetic deal, but it cost them D’Angelo Russell. Doing the same for Deng isn’t going to be any easier.
More than likely, it’ll include parting ways with someone like Randle or a first round pick. For your information, the Lakers parted with their 2018 first round pick as a result of keeping the selection that landed them Ball. That means it would have to be a first round pick from 2020 or later if draft compensation came into the equation.
As long as the price is reasonable, though, the Lakers need to get it done. Unloading Deng’s contract will give them all of the financial flexibility they need next offseason, allowing them the cap space to sign superstars such as LeBron James and Paul George. It’s a tall order, but Magic appears up for the task.
Next: Ambitious free agent targets for Lakers in next 3 years
Next offseason will be a turning point for the Lakers. Johnson and Pelinka know this all too well. That’s why I’m confident they’ll do whatever is needed to put themselves in position to become a contender overnight. That is, as long as it doesn’t completely gut their roster.