LA Lakers Rumors: D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson Struggles Force Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Jennings, Mario Chalmers Trades as Julius Randle, Nick Young Compete

Jul 16, 2015 02:09 PM EDT
Jordan Clarkson
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson prepares for a summer league game in Las Vegas."

NBA teams are using summer league play to get a good feel at where their roster is at heading into the back half of the offseason. The Los Angeles Lakers have reason to be concerned as several of their young stars are showing a lot of rust and a lot of weakness through the Las Vegas tournament. For most teams this would not be a huge issue, but several of the players participating for the Lakers in summer league are expected to be a big part of the roster in 2015. Will this cause some potential roster changes?

The Lakers made a big move with the No.2 pick. They opted to pass up on Jahlil Okafor and select D'Angelo Russell, claiming he was a player they simply could not miss on. The rookie along with second-year stars Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson are all participating in summer league at the moment and the returns are not positive. According to the Los Angeles Times, fans actually booed the squad at one point, unhappy with the play on the court. For Randle, this offseason is critical after an injury caused him to miss his entire rookie season. He has played restricted minutes so far, but NBA scouts are not impressed.

"Everything he does is going left," said one NBA talent evaluator, via SI.com. "If he drives right, he just spins back left. He looks to drop-step left every time. He's had a few dunks but he doesn't consistently get above the defense to finish. He's used to being the strongest guy on the court and bullying his way to lay-ups." 

Russell and Clarkson are under the same pressure as they will be taking over the point guard spot from Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin. While Clarkson has picked up right where he left off, Russell is struggling with rookie mistakes and adjustments that might only get magnified once he enters training camp. According to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register, both Russell and Clarkson will be taking part in offseason workouts with Nash in order to try and improve before the season starts.

Could the Lakers make a move to add depth to the lineup if the younger players struggle? The Lakers eyed several point guard options at the start of the offseason, but cooled off after drafting Russell. Stars like Eric Bledsoe or Brandon Jennings could be available along with backups like Mario Chalmers and Jose Calderon. Los Angeles lacks draft picks and assets to give up in a deal which could end up being what holds the team back from making the move. 

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