Reports have been circulating around the National Basketball Association (NBA) that the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in trading their power forward Julius Randle and their point and shooting guard hybrid Jordan Clarkson in order to acquire key talents that will supplement their roster's talent -- especially since the team is currently undergoing a rebuilding period. It is important to note, however, that these are merely rumors, and have not yet been confirmed.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Lakers' head coach, Luke Walton, has stated that the newly acquired talent for this season has not yet propelled the team into being a playoff contending team. Having said that, the Lakers have been making their own strategic plans in order to move Randle and Clarkson around the league -- especially since unspecified teams have shown interest in acquiring them.
Randle has recently been showing signs of frustrations behind the camera, and personally feels that he has not been granted enough game time. However, Randle's style of play does not exactly fit well with the Lakers' style, which is why he is being considered as a strong trade option. In fact, Randle's minutes have greatly varied in the last 34 games -- only playing eight minutes against the Houston Rockets, wherein the Lakers took home the victory.
Randle has had his shining moments this season, and has proved himself to be a more-than-competent power forward. On Dec. 29, last Friday, Randle scored 18 points while securing seven rebounds in just 28 minutes in their match against the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the Lakers ended up losing that game, but Randle's performance was, nonetheless, respectable.
In the past few months, the Lakers tried to trade both Clarkson and Randle together to the Indiana Pacers -- to which the Pacers declined. Despite the failed negotiations, the Lakers seem to be willing to try their luck with other teams. If the Lakers were to be successful in the trade, they could secure themselves a decent pick in the next NBA draft -- which may be a key element that will propel the team into becoming a contender for the finals.
