Any team in the NBA must decide how to deal with young players. Generally, young players don’t often contribute to winning, so whether a team is trying to win now or prioritize the future.
What should the Utah Jazz do? This team is on the bubble. The Jazz have looked like a playoff contender recently, but they could still justify focusing on the young talent on their roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t justify the same decision. With LeBron James still playing at an All-NBA level, they must be in the here and now. The Lakers need to be buyers at the deadline.
Could they acquire Jordan Clarkson from the Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: F Rui Hachimura, G Gabe Vincent, F/C Jaxson Hayes, 2029 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Jordan Clarkson, F Simone Fontecchio
We’ve talked about young players. Let’s talk about aging veterans. Typically, they lose usefulness to a win-now team in time as well. Eventually, any player’s abilities will diminish as they age.
When will LeBron James begin to age? Seriously – what we are witnessing here is not normal. There are grounds to question whether James is of this earth. We’ve never seen a player extend their prime to this extent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Yet, somehow, the Lakers are far outside of the playoff picture. We can’t blame Anthony Davis either – he’s having a fantastic season. Perhaps the Lakers are lacking depth.
Does acquiring Clarkson do enough to help them?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
It’s been suggested that the Lakers are looking for a guard. They’re looking for someone athletic who can guard the point of attack. If that’s true, Clarkson may not be the optimal target for this group.
How strict are the Lakers’ preferences? Shouldn’t they be looking for a guard who can create in half-court sets – whether with athleticism or with craft? If so, Clarkson would be the perfect target.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
No, he’s not an elite athlete – or point-of-attack defender. Still, Clarkson can create offense for himself and others at will. Adding him would give the Lakers a much-needed new wrinkle in their offense.
Should the Jazz part with the talented guard?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
The Jazz have been playing better basketball lately. Collin Sexton’s emergence has been a significant reason why. The talented young guard is playing exceptionally well.
Meanwhile, Keyonte George has also flashed plenty of potential during his rookie campaign. So, the Jazz would do well to move Clarkson. If nothing else, they might as well clear a runway for the young backcourt talent on their roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Here, they’re flipping Clarkson for a lightly protected first-round pick. They may also be interested in Rui Hachimura – he should at least have the potential to leap John Collins in their rotation. Either way, Hachimura is young enough to be part of their future – but not too young to contribute now.
