It is undeniable that the Lakers have been struggling in their performance this season. Ranking at the bottom of the Western conference and with a 3 wins and 15 losses record, it is undeniable that major changes would be made; especially that Kobe would be playing his last year this season.
The first thing that Lakers would definitely do is to find a replacement for the Black Mamba. This would not only mean making another face of the franchise, but it would ultimately mean that they would be strengthening their offensive line. There have been many options being rumored to replace Kobe and one of the players being seen with potential is DeMar DeRozan. According to yibada, DeMar DeRozan would be traded to the Lakers to replace Kobe Bryant. And in order to complete the trade, Jordan Clarkson would have to be the other trade piece of the speculated transaction. Yibada expounded the idea saying that;
"The Lakers drafted D'Angelo Russell to be their point guard of the future, and they would rather have DeRozan-who could be the Kobe heir apparent, over Clarkson. This trade proposal is predicated on the assumption that the Raptors are pursuing Kevin Durant and the Lakers don't see themselves as a realistic candidate (hence, acquiring DeRozan). The Lakers could send Clarkson and Roy Hibbert's expiring contract in exchange for DeRozan and other cap-consumers like Bismack Biyombo and Lucas Noguiera."
If indeed true, then such move would surely be gamble for the Lakers to make, especially with Clarkson getting used with the play of the Lakers. However, if the rumors about Clarkson leaving the Lakers are true, then there is no need to be sad about it. For Clarkson has been contributing to the Lakers and has always played his best every game. That is why greater offers are to come for the young player as his value would continue to increase together with the improvement of his game.
