Getty
Adam Pantozzi / National Basketball Association / Getty
Getty
Adam Pantozzi / National Basketball Association / Getty
After losing all four games of the 2022-23 season, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a tough situation. The Lakers’ front office could not make any drastic changes in the roster due to salary cap limitations. The franchise tried to trade away Russell Westbrook after a tough last season but failed to make any movement during the offseason. The Lakers have been a part of trade negotiations with several teams including the Utah Jazz. However, a recent update from NBA Insider regarding Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson to LeBron James-led Lakers trade has shattered the NBA fans on Twitter.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Top Stories
The Lakers reportedly discussed a possible Russell Westbrook trade in exchange for several Utah Jazz players during the offseason. However, the deal did not go through as the Lakers were unwilling to give up their first-round picks from 2027 and 2029. The Lakers are believed to be still in talks with Jazz regarding a potential trade involving players like Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, Malik Beasley, and Jordan Clarkson.
LeBron James-led Lakers face a difficult situation
Recently, NBA Insider Zach Lowe shared on his podcast that the rebuilding Utah Jazz team is unlikely to trade away their guard Jordan Clarkson after a brilliant start of the season. In 5 games, Clarkson has averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. Lowe said, “I’ve heard the same stuff that other people have reported that they are just super reluctant to move Clarkson.”
The Jazz guard has a player option available for the 2023-24 season. However, it seems that Jazz is willing to take a chance on Clarkson.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23177555/1237688229.jpg)
Meanwhile, Westbrook opted for the $47.1 million player option this season, and his lack of performance is becoming a liability for LeBron James‘ Lakers. It seems like the Lakers will have to be a little more patient to secure a good trade deal for Westbrook.
Fans React to Lakers trade update
The recent update from Lowe has upset the NBA fans who were expecting a possible Westbrook-Clarkson trade on Twitter. Here are some of the reactions from the fans.
They are trying to choke and still are way better than the Lakers
— kellyO567 (@nrs237) October 27, 2022
I am confused. Was Jazz intention before the season rebuilding and tanking? Did they change their mind after Lauri visible improve and 4-1 start!!! or they knew before trading their stars it is good for the future?????? Are they willing now to make the playoffs or tanking still?
— MohamedTayeb (@gingenitruman) October 27, 2022
Victor Webanyama knowing he’s not getting drafted to the Jazz pic.twitter.com/Vvxv7KQBPk
— iiVortexX (@iiVortexX1) October 27, 2022
yea we did bro…
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) October 27, 2022
https://twitter.com/JahNuhThun_Dee/status/1585623458955726850
https://twitter.com/_billienotjeane/status/1585627798915452928
https://twitter.com/Treymansss/status/1585622550297677824
Westbrook for lauri and clarkson
— The salad (@TomSalad2) October 27, 2022
I might bout kill myself🤦🏻♂️
— Jehovah Larty‼️‼️ (@WobblyWoop) October 27, 2022
The recent update regarding Jordan Clarkson has certainly stirred a debate among the NBA fraternity.
Watch This Story: Will the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook before trade deadline?
While the Utah Jazz hope to have a rejuvenated season, the Lakers continue to crumble with no sense of consistency. Hopefully, LA and LeBron James will find a solution real soon.
Written by
Edited by
Pritam Priyedarshi