NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Close To Signing Earl Clark?

Nov 8, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Earl Clark (6) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Cavaliers 94-79. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Earl Clark (6) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Cavaliers 94-79. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 28, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Earl Clark (6) handles the ball against San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Earl Clark (6) handles the ball against San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Earl Clark and the Lakers are currently in discussions and a deal is imminent.

"The Lakers have had ‘talks’ to sign forward Earl Clark this week, according to a league source familiar with the discussions. The deal is not finalized, but it’s believed to be a one-year deal worth $1 million. The Lakers could either wait until the NBA approves hardship exception to finish that deal. Or the Lakers could waive Henry, who is owed a guaranteed $1.1 million."

The NBA has already granted disabled player exceptions for injuries the Lakers have suffered. They were awarded $4.85 million for Nash, $1.5 million for Randle and are expected to receive $555,000 for Henry.  It’s likely the Lakers will wait to receive their hardship exception.

There’s no real advantage to being hasty and pulling the trigger on any deal (unless it’s able to complete reverse the tide).