Hoops Habit
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5 Roster Moves The Los Angeles Lakers Need To Make

By Matthew Hallett

Mar 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D Angelo Russell (1) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (left) after making a shot during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D Angelo Russell (1) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (left) after making a shot during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dunks to score a basket against Utah Jazz during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dunks to score a basket against Utah Jazz during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Re-Sign Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson played 79 games last season, averaging 32.4 minutes, 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He did this in the Kobe farewell year.

With Kobe gone, there are now 16 more shots per game available for the rest of the team. If Clarkson takes three or four more per game, then his 43 percent field goal percentage suggests he will be close to a 20-point per night performer.

Without Kobe, Clarkson will have more plays run for him and at the age of 23 has such tremendous upside and potential that it would be almost a travesty to see Clarkson go elsewhere.

Clarkson will form a tremendous backcourt combination with D’Angelo Russell. Both are young and given two or three years will be one of the top few combinations in the NBA.

If Clarkson does re-sign, the Lakers core will be Clarkson, Russell, Randle, Larry Nance Jr., Anthony Brown and probably Brandon Ingram.

This core will take them into the playoffs for years to come if they can keep it together.

The only player currently on the Lakers roster who can start at the shooting guard position is Lou Williams. The 2014-15 Sixth Man  of the Year is better suited to coming off the bench.

Next: Sign Brandon Jennings

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