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Los Angeles Lakers: Is it time to move Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson?

By Mark Wilson

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Jordan Clarkson #6 and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on October 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Jordan Clarkson #6 and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on October 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers roster needs a reset and Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson may be the scapegoats

The Los Angeles Lakers made the correct pick by selecting Lonzo Ball with the second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. The correct trade was made when LA sent D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez.

But what other moves have the Lakers hit on recently?

Luol Deng, who is on one of the NBA’s worst contracts, still has a roster spot, but it’s Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson who can turn the tide.

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If both players were to pick up their play, the Lakers could be a force in the Western Conference. But it’s safe to say that’s not happening. Randle has lost minutes to Larry Nance Jr. and the addition of Kantavious Caldwell-Pope has Clarkson on the outside looking in. The season is still young, but the Lakers must prepare themselves for the future.

Maybe it’s time to move on from both Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson?

Trading Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson for DeMarcus Cousins

For the season, Randle is averaging 11 points and five rebounds but only doing so in 20 minutes of action. With Ball at the helm and Randle extending his range during the offseason, he was expected to make a major leap. That’s not been the case and with Nance Jr. steadily improving, the window is slightly open for a trade.

Clarkson is in the same boat as Randle. The shooting guard was seen as the heir apparent to fill Kobe Bryant’s shoes, but his minutes have declined. Clarkson is averaging 15 points per game but doing so by mainly playing behind the 3-point line. As a sixth man, Clarkson has lost some value as a go-to player but he can still serve a greater purpose on the trade market.

If the Lakers can put together a package for DeMarcus Cousins, that would make sense. Think about what the New Orleans Pelicans are facing. The combination of Anthony Davis and Cousins has not paid any dividends, at least not yet.

The Pelicans continue to struggle as their pieces just don’t seem to fit together. With Cousins set to become a free agent after this season, he may look to play for a team where his production will equal a playoff appearance.

Brook Lopez is key to deal

In order for this to happen, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to make a sacrifice of talent. Gone will be Randle, Clarkson and Brook Lopez for Cousins and E’Twaun Moore. What this does is provide the Lakers with one of the best post players in the league and a valuable and steady backup on the wings.

Clarkson (25) is set to make close to $12.5 million per over the next three years, while Randle (23) is on the books for this season unless he accepts a $5.5 million qualifying offer. Lopez’s (29) contract is where this deal is key as he will also be a free agent after this year.

Must Read: Milwaukee Bucks: Keep Malcolm Brogdon, trade Jabari Parker

The Los Angeles Lakers will play it close to the hip probably until the trade deadline in which they will see if the team can turn it around. The same can be said for the Pelicans. If both teams continue to struggle, we should expect a phone call to be made.

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