Former teammates are reuniting in New York. No, it’s not the Nova-Knicks reunion, but a former Laker is soon to be teammates with Josh Hart. Remember the time when the Purple and Gold franchise had Lonzo Ball, Hart, and Kyle Kuzma? The “Baby Lakers” project was in full swing until the team decided to bring in LeBron James and Anthony Davis and trade away those young stars. After sending out a hilarious free agency appeal, Hart is celebrating the new addition.

The addition is Jordan Clarkson! The 33-year-old averaged 16.2 points and 3.7 assists for the Jazz last season. Clarkson, who played just 37 games last season due to plantar fasciitis, had an impressive 40.8% shooting from the floor and 36.2% from three. He has been one of the best bench scorers in the league since arriving in Utah six seasons ago and won Sixth Man of the Year in 2020-21. He’d been in trade rumors for the past couple of seasons, but Utah ultimately never found a suitor.

Now, New York seems to be the destination. It took some time for the Knicks to start their free agency signing. But Josh Hart was already after just one minute in the free agency window. No, he didn’t ask to be a free agent, but was surely disappointed with the lack of notifications. “It’s 6:01 and I ain’t see one deal….what happened to the game I love?” This tweet of his has already garnered 3.3 million views and explains the busy window for the team. Hours later, Shams Charania shared the news on X about the Knicks signing Jordan Clarkson.

“Jordan Clarkson is expected to sign with the New York Knicks after he clears free agency waivers, sources tell ESPN.” Naturally, Josh Hart is excited about the new player, and that too is his old teammate. “My boy 🔥” and tagged the 33-year-old with a picture from their time with the Lakers. Also, in the Knicks star’s story, one can spot Lonzo Ball too wearing the #2 in the Lakers uniform.

From being annoyed to feeling fired up, Josh Hart comes full circle to Jordan Clarkson news

Jordan Clarkson was the 46th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. The Lakers bought from the Washington Wizards and used it to select Clarkson out of Missouri. At the time, it was called a steal, and the guard proved it. He quickly made a name for himself when the team handed him the reins in January of his rookie year, making him the starting point guard. Thus, he earned the nod for to All-Rookie First Team. But the time was challenging.

Clarkson admitted to Adam Zuvanich of the San Antonio Express News in 2017 that all of the losing has not been easy for him to endure. “It’s been a tough three years. We’ve been losing a lot. We’ve been trying to get out of that.” In February 2018, the team traded him and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cleveland Cavaliers to acquire Isaiah Thomas. In all, during his time with the Lakers, Clarkson averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 273 games.

Moments after news broke Thursday of the Lakers’ blockbuster deal with the Cavs, Josh Hart took to Twitter and offered a rather lukewarm response. He added, “😑😑😑” which signified he was not on board with the decision.

But clearly, he is all aboard with the Knicks’ decision to sign the 33-year-old who can definitely add more strength to the Knicks’ bench.