There’s something about seeing an NBA player return to his old team. It instantly hits the nostalgia bone. Seeing a player in a uniform that he used to wear will take you back to the time when he was first wearing that uniform.
With that said, it’s got to make sense. NBA teams are not in the business of producing feel-good stories. They’ve got to have a meaningful reason to reunite with that player. Still, when the stars align, it’s a nice story for the fans to enjoy. Could the Los Angeles Lakers reunite with any former players?
Well, that depends – what do the Lakers need? They could use a guard who can create his own shot. D’Angelo Russell is solid, but he’s more of a playmaker. A guard with a sharper scoring instinct would round out this roster. How about Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz? ‘
The Trade Proposal
Utah Jazz Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G/F Cam Reddish
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Jordan Clarkson
With that said, longtime Lakers fans won’t romanticize the era that Clarkson played in. This organization has been blessed – for the most part. The Lakers are perhaps the most successful organization in Lakers history. With that said, Clarkson played for the team during a dark era.
Just don’t blame Clarkson. He was a second-round pick. Clarkson was not expected to be a meaningful NBA player. He’s a scorer who doesn’t have an especially impressive athletic profile. Sure. Clarkson defied expectations. He broke out on the Lakers, and he hasn’t looked back. Clarkson is one of the best guards to ever be selected in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers traded him anyway. That’s business in the NBA. Clarkson has continued to be successful. Should the Lakers really bring him back?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Absolutely. The Lakers could use a guard who can create his own offense, right? This team’s backcourt rotation feels incomplete. Russell is a playmaker, and Gabe Vincent is more of an off-ball threat. The Lakers need a bucket-getter.
Clarkson gets buckets. For that matter, his playmaking has come a long way since his time in LA. Clarkson has a stronger ability to set up teammates than ever before. Still, the Lakers have ample playmaking. They need a scorer. That’s why they’d be bringing Clarkson in.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
They may want to wait on this deal. That’s fine – they’d have to. The Lakers just extended Rui Hachimura, so he’s currently subject to trade restrictions. If he’s having a breakout season, the Lakers may prefer to hang onto the athletic wing. At the same time, if this team looks like it could use a scoring punch, reuniting with Clarkson makes sense. Should the Jazz part with him?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
We know. You’ve got a question. How many young 4s can the Jazz manage? Where will they find room for Hachimura. If he isn’t breaking out on the Lakers, why would they acquire him?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
This Jazz team has talent, but they won’t be contending for the NBA title. If they’re not overperforming by the deadline, they may opt to get out of Clarkson’s contract. If so, an injection of youth should suit them quite well. If the Jjazz have to facilitate a reunion between Clarkson and the Lakers in the process, that shouldn’t be an issue.
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