NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers most likely to be traded right now

2. Jordan Clarkson

For some time now, Jordan Clarkson has been one of the centerpieces of Lakers trade speculation. The young combo guard is an exciting weapon off the bench, bringing an offensive spark that has helped him flirt with Sixth Man of the Year contention at times this season.

Currently making an average of $12.5 million over the next three years, Clarkson’s cap figures can be seen as limiting. As the Lakers attempt to secure cap space for two superstar acquisitions, getting his salary off the books would be a big step in the team’s desired direction.

It also helps that Clarkson would be an asset on just about any team. Not only could he start for a guard-needy squad, but he’d be an excellent option off the bench who can inject some scoring into almost any second unit in the NBA. We’ve seen that this season with his 13.7 points per game and 44.7 percent shooting from the field.

So why is he at No. 2? Well, not only have the Lakers made it clear he’s available, but apparently Clarkson himself is open to a trade. According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the two parties have a “mutual desire to find something sooner rather than later.”

At this point, it’s only a matter of time before Clarkson is wearing a different jersey. He’s been a wonderful find for the Lakers as a 2014 second round pick. However, as Magic has made clear, parting ways with the team’s role players means little when creating cap space is involved.