NBA Rumors: Jordan Clarkson Return To Hollywood Makes Sense For Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to make another run at the NBA title but need to figure out their new crew for the 2020-21 NBA wars. Outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, most of the members from the recent NBA title run are checking free agency.

Among the players who will do that include Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Markieff Morris. Of those names, Rondo and Caldwell-Pope could still return since the Lakers hold Bird rights on the two players.

Other players have similar contract situations. But the best way to sum it all up is that the Lakers need to decide on who to keep and who to let go. Once that is settled, Los Angeles needs to determine who to acquire.

One name that rings a bell is Jordan Clarkson. The Filipino-American had a decent last stint with the Lakers from 2015 to 2018. He averaged 13.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists before moving to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He, along with Larry Nance Jr., went to the Cavs in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and a 2018 first-round pick, NBA.com reported.

Clarkson was able to establish himself in Cleveland and had a fine showing with the Utah Jazz this past NBA season. He concluded his 2019-20 season with 15.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 42 games with the Jazz.

Now that he is a free agent, Clarkson is believed to be on the shortlist of the Lakers this offseason. Other names on the list per Bobby Marks of ESPN include Jeff Teague, D.J. Augustin, Maurice Harkless and Nerlens Noel.

Clarkson stands out considering he was one of the overlooked players of the 2014 NBA Draft. Despite being a second-round pick, the 28-year-old showed what he can bring to the surprise of many. Also, he got the chance to play alongside LeBron James with the Cavs. This could be another factor worth considering.

Also, it would be best to note that the Lakers need someone who can help out in playmaking duties. Clarkson is a combo guard, someone who can fit in beautifully under head coach Frank Vogel.

Clarkson rejoining the Lakers could be huge although it still depends on a lot of prerequisites. The Lakers do have bi-annual and mid-level exceptions, something that could be tailored for a Clarkson reunion.