Whether due to trade or release, these three Los Angeles Lakers players will no longer be on the roster by this time next year.
With the Los Angeles Lakers unlikely to contend this season, speculation and theories about the franchise’s short-term fortunes are running rampant. The practice of predicting the future for the purple and gold has become all too common this offseason.
It only seems right to continue feeding into that. It’s become a specialty of mine in the last few months, so why not keep the train chugging along? That’s why, today, I’m taking a swing at predicting which prominent Lakers players will not be on the roster come 2018.
For the purposes of this exercise, I left out any players scheduled to be unrestricted free agents in 2018. That means there will be no Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brook Lopez or Corey Brewer on this list. It’s almost too easy to “predict” someone not being around if their contract is expiring, right? The rest of the Lakers’ current roster is fair game, though.
There were a number of factors I considered when making my selections. However, when it all came down to it, these three seemed like the most likely to be wearing different jerseys at some point next year.
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With that in mind, let’s take a look at the three prominent Lakers players who won’t be around in 2018. These predictions may not please everyone, but I can assure you that wasn’t one of my concerns when compiling this list.
All contract information courtesy of Spotrac.com.
Larry Nance Jr., PF
I know folks would be disappointed if this prediction came true. Larry Nance Jr. is a fan favorite of sorts, often lauded for his underrated impact off the bench and high-flying dunks. However, as we found out this offseason, even fan favorites are not invincible when it comes to trades.
Losing Nance would absolutely be a big blow to this Lakers squad. He’s a spark plug for the second unit, providing solid defense, rebounding and the occasional highlight on offense. Although his ability to score consistently is still a work in progress, it’s easy to see why Los Angeles values him.
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Unfortunately, if the Lakers plan on acquiring two superstars next offseason, they need to make cap space. In order for them to unload some of their larger contracts, they’ll need to throw in some quality pieces to make a salary dump worth it for the team receiving said salary. That’s where a player like Nance could come into the equation.
Los Angeles already has a capable starting power forward in Julius Randle. Kyle Kuzma figures to see some action at the 4 in smaller lineups as well, so losing Nance wouldn’t be a death sentence for the bench unit.
Realistically, Nance could be a starter for another team in need of help at power forward. He’s well-rounded enough to warrant a starting gig, and has shown significant improvement during his two years in Los Angeles. If the Lakers are going to move the two upcoming names on this list, the former No. 27 overall pick could be tossed in as an incentive.
Jordan Clarkson, PG
In my opinion, one of Jordan Clarkson or Randle is going to need to go between now and the 2018 offseason. Clarkson is taking up too much cap space for a slightly above-average backup guard, and Randle is going to cost a pretty penny to keep as a restricted free agent.
If I had to guess, I’d say the Lakers stick with Randle. He fills a larger need for now and the future, as Los Angeles boasts more guard talent overall. Between Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart, they can keep the backcourt running smoothly. Losing Randle, however, may cause some problems — especially if Nance is traded as well.
My only concern here is that other teams may not be willing to acquire Clarkson and his $12.5 million annually over the next three seasons. It’s a hefty price to pay for a backup guard, although someone desperate enough for backcourt help could view him as a starter.
So in theory, Clarkson could actually be dealt as an asset rather than a salary dump. In that situation, it helps the Lakers by opening up cap space in 2018 while also potentially bringing them significant returns. I wouldn’t necessarily hold my breath with that idea, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
Clarkson has been a pleasant surprise for the Lakers. The former second round pick quickly caught on as a capable playmaker, and has made his presence felt. Unfortunately, Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak may have sealed his fate by overpaying for him during their disastrous 2016 spending spree.
Luol Deng, SF/PF
If this prediction comes true, Magic will win Executive of the Year by default. Finding a taker for Luol Deng’s $18 million annually over the next three years seems impossible, so pulling it off would be nothing short of a miracle.
And yet, if anyone’s going to do it, it’s Johnson. He already found a taker for Timofey Mozgov‘s horrendous deal this offseason, though it did them D’Angelo Russell. More than likely, pulling off a rare feat like that again is going to cost the Lakers even more assets. Regardless, it’s a move that must be made to clear the way for them to win 2018 free agency.
The way I see it going down is the Lakers tossing in prospects and draft compensation for an expiring contract. Think of the Lopez trade from this offseason, albeit much more lopsided. The receiving team gets something like Deng, Nance, Tyler Ennis and a 2020 first round pick (and more?). In return, the Lakers get an expiring contract and maybe a second round pick to soften the blow.
It’s unfortunate, but it’s what needs to be done. Magic must clear up the final black eye remaining from Buss’ offseason of terror. If it helps Los Angeles land a duo of LeBron James and Paul George next year, it’ll be well worth the hassle.
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The odds seem stacked against the Lakers finding someone willing to take on Deng’s contract. Then again, the odds were stacked against Los Angeles keeping its pick this offseason as well. Instead, the NBA Draft Lottery dropped Ball into their laps. Magic has changed this franchise’s future — trading Deng is just the next momentous step in the process.