Los Angeles Lakers: Clarkson Rumors Shouldn’t Bring Worry
Rumors have surfaced that the New York Knicks will pursue Jordan Clarkson this summer, but it’ll be extremely difficult to make him leave Los Angeles.
Earlier today, ESPN’s Ian Begley reported that the New York Knicks plan to pursue Los Angeles Lakers restricted free agent guard Jordan Clarkson once July hits. Knicks general manager Steve Mills stated that the team will be searching for a lead guard that can help carry the load day in and day out.
A couple players that come to mind that the Knicks could realistically pursue after considering the salary cap are Clarkson and point guard Mike Conley. Begley described that the hopes of the Knicks landing Clarkson rested on the fact that he “has fans in the Knicks organization.”
Even though there will be multiple teams trying to sign Clarkson this summer, it’s going to be extremely difficult to get him out of Hollywood — not only because he likes being a Laker, but because he qualifies under the “Arenas rule.”
Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times explained why this rule will make it challenging for Clarkson to end up anywhere else:
"“The Arenas provision was created because Golden State was unable to match Washington’s offer in 2002 to Arenas, a second-round draft pick whose career was on the rise after only two NBA seasons. Golden State was hamstrung by the salary cap, so Washington was able to pry him away.Teams with enough salary-cap room can give Clarkson a max of $57.8 million over four years or $34.1 million over three years. Clarkson can sign an offer sheet with only one team, which the Lakers have the option of matching.”"
The Lakers have coveted Clarkson ever since he was acquired from a trade with the Washington Wizards in the 2014 NBA Draft. In his two seasons as a professional, Clarkson has been fortunate enough to have a great mentor in Kobe Bryant.
Of course, now that Bryant is gone, it provides more responsibility for Clarkson within the offense.
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It is no secret that the Lakers’ future is bright with the young core of Clarkson, Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell. Also, put into mind that they will have Luke Walton coming in as their new head coach once he is finished coaching the Golden State Warriors in the Finals, and they also have the No. 2 pick in the draft.
There have been rumblings that they may shop the draft pick for a proven star player, but if not, they will likely draft Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram, depending on which is available.
With all that being said, Clarkson’s ability is undeniable. He finished second on the team in scoring this season, averaging 15.5 points in 32.3 minutes per game. Going forward, it is expected for both of those averages to increase significantly as Clarkson’s role increases.
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From Clarkson’s point of view, why leave Los Angeles for New York? He will have a new head coach that has proven he is a great basketball mind and utilizes a fun offensive system, he’ll be the No. 1 option within that offense, and he’ll be apart of one of the best young cores in the league.
The rumor mill is spinning rapidly, but this drama won’t shake up Hollywood.