The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most interesting teams in the league to watch. With all of the drama surrounding Lonzo Ball, the emerging stardom of Kyle Kuzma and the announcement of the Black Mamba’s new alternate jersey—basketball fans always seem to have their eyes on the Lakers.
Now, a rumor out of the Lakers camp has fans buzzing. The Lakers will reportedly be looking to trade back-up point guard Jordan Clarkson and power forward Julius Randle, the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday. "Randle’s situation is worth watching, though," according to LA Times sportswriter Tania Ganguli. "The Lakers would love to trade him if they could, and Jordan Clarkson fits in that category too. Both players know they have been offered in trades by the Lakers, and they’re handling it in different ways."
The Lakers could be trying to free up space for two big time players, another trade rumor suggests. According to NBA sportswriter Eric Picnus, the California team is eyeing Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Paul George, and New Orleans Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins, both free agents at the end of the season.
The rumors around Lebron James to LA continue to swirl, but if that doesn’t work out, the Lakers front office will turn their sights to Cousins and George. "I think Plan A is still LeBron James, and that’s probably gonna be Plan A until LeBron says 'No,'" Pincus said on the Lakers Nation Podcast this week. "But that said, at the deadline, there are two targets they could look at — I don’t think they would get both — but Paul George with the Oklahoma City Thunder."
The NBA trade deadline is February 8 at 3 p.m. ET.
