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Los Angeles Lakers: Should LA trade or trust ahead of the NBA trade deadline?

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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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 02: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the second half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 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 02: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the second half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 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)

Jordan Clarkson

Unlike Randle, there’s no doubt about Jordan Clarkson’s role in the NBA.

Yes, he’s a defensive sieve. Of the 232 players that have played at least 500 minutes, he ranks 32nd in defensive rating, allowing 112 points per 100 possessions.

Ignore that for the time being, though. Clarkson is still one of the best bench players in the league.

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In fact, among all players to start five or less games but play in more than 15, he’s first in total points (528) and second in points per game (14.3), per Basketball Reference. He’s also leading the Lakers in offensive box plus-minus at 1.2, and has proven he can effectively run the offense in Lonzo Ball’s absence.

His defensive deficiencies are much easier to cover up in a bench role. He could never improve as a defender and still have a solid role in the league for the next ten years.

With such strong offensive play, Clarkson would be the easiest of the Lakers’ trade bait to move. And his name has also appeared in numerous reports, alongside Randle’s, as the team would “love” to move him before the deadline.

Plenty of teams would covet Clarkson’s skillset. But should the Lakers be so hasty to get rid of him?

After this season he will still have two more years on his deal, and at a relatively cheap cost. Next season he will make $12.5 million, and in 2018/19 that will increase to roughly $13.4 million.

While not dirt cheap, that’s certainly not unreasonable for a young player with a well-defined niche in the league. Having a valuable player under team control cannot be underrated, especially with the rising financial demands of non-superstars.

Clarkson will never be the best player on a good team. He may never even be a starter on a good team. But he could certainly be a role player on a good team.

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The Lakers should make sure any trade involving him is more than just a salary dump. He’s certainly worth more than that, and a hasty trade looking to clear space for free agency could see them sell low.

Decision time is looming for the Lakers. They’ll need to make a choice sooner rather than later; trust what they already have, or risk it all for something they might never get.

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