NBA Rumors: Knicks interested in Lakers’ Jordan Clarkson
By Tom West
There’s a good chance the Los Angeles Lakers will re-sign Jordan Clarkson in NBA free agency, but he has some ‘fans’ in the New York Knicks organization that may try to lure him away.
Restricted free agent Jordan Clarkson may well stay with the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s coming off the best season of his young career after starting alongside rookie point guard D’Angelo Russell, and with the Lakers armed with a ton of cap space and the No. 2 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the future is gradually starting to look a little brighter.
There should be incentives for both Clarkson and the Lakers to agree on a deal, and the 24-year-old guard recently said to Chris McGee of Time Warner Cable Sportsnet that “I want to stay in L.A.,” adding “I don’t really look at it as me being a free agent, because I want to be here.”
However, as a capable scorer and a high-flying athlete with an improving three-point shot, other teams in need of backcourt help, like the New York Knicks, will look into signing him. Ian Begley of ESPN has reported that some within the Knicks organization are fans of what Clarkson has to offer:
"The club will have at least $18 million to spend in the offseason, and could also explore the trade market to acquire a guard… Restricted Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson also has fans in the Knicks organization, but it seems as if Los Angeles will retain the second-year player."
It’s no secret the Knicks would like to strengthen their backcourt situation and move on from point guards such as Jose Calderon. Mike Conley will undoubtedly be at the top of their list despite a low chance of him ditching the Memphis Grizzlies for a struggling team outside the playoffs, and someone such as Clarkson is clearly a name of interest, too.
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He may have flaws as a primary ball handler due to his relatively weak point guard skills and passing ability, but the athleticism and talent is there. The Lakers know this and he is improving, and as someone who’s only completed two years in the NBA so far, it’s unlikely he’ll be moving on as he’s so eager to return.
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