The Los Angeles Lakers are still looking to fill their backup point guard position in the next couple of weeks as more possibilities emerge. With Magic Johnson seemingly looking for a veteran mentor for rookie Lonzo Ball, former MVP Derrick Rose is reportedly meeting with the team.
If the Lakers prefer to go a younger route, however, Golden State Warriors guard Ian Clark presents an intriguing option.
Clark has spent the last two seasons with the Warriors, having a career year last season en route to winning a championship. According to Brad Turner of the LA Times, the Lakers have shown interest in Clark, though no deal is imminent at the time:
The Lakers have also shown interest in free agent point guard Ian Clark recently, but no deal imminent, per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 20, 2017
Clark makes a lot of sense for the Lakers. He would come cheap on a one-year deal, he has championship experience that he can impart on the rest of the team, and he has familiarity with Luke Walton’s offensive system. Additionally, he is a good shooter and solid defender who can play both on and off the ball.
There are still a lot of options for the Lakers to backup Ball. Even though Rose is meeting with them, he is also reportedly in serious conversations about joining the Cleveland Cavaliers. Aside from Rose and Clark, players such as Deron Williams, Isaiah Canaan, and Tyler Ennis could be possibilities as well.
Last season Clark appeared in 77 games for the Warriors, averaging 6.8 points in 14.8 minutes per game. Clark shot an impressive 48.7 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from three-point range.