There have been a lot of trade rumors involving the Los Angeles Lakers over the last few months with the team showing interest in acquiring Paul George before he was ultimately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jordan Clarkson was one of the players mentioned in these Lakers trade rumors with the consensus being he’d be included in any trade package for George.
With George now in Oklahoma City, the trade rumors have gone quiet as the Lakers move forward with players like Clarkson and Julius Randle. Clarkson, who recently held a basketball camp in Los Angeles, talked about being mentioned in trade rumors this summer and his mindset during the offseason, via Mark Medina of the OC Register:
“The only thing I can worry about in terms of stuff like that and trade rumors is myself and continue to work,” Clarkson said. “If I were to be traded, I just have to be ready to play. But I’m here in L.A. and am ready for the season. I’m excited.”
It appears the constant trade rumors haven’t deterred Clarkson from improving his game this summer in anticipation of his fourth season in the NBA. The Missouri product remains focused and ready to play once the 2017-18 campaign gets underway in October.
Clarkson, much like any player from last year’s team, will have to find his role after all the changes that were made. Clarkson will likely head to the bench to start next season with newcomer Kentavious Caldwell-Pope becoming the starter at shooting guard and rookie Lonzo Ball expected to lead the way at the point guard position.
The 25-year-old may be looked at to be the leader of the second unit and an offensive spark off the bench. The Lakers’ second unit has the potential to be much improved with the addition of Kyle Kuzma to join Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Ivica Zubac, Luol Deng, and Josh Hart.