At the moment, the Los Angeles Lakers are going with youth at the point guard position, something that may or may not work out in their favor. With NBA Summer League play in full swing, the team has not been impressed with D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson as there is some lingering concern they can manage the position after the departures of Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin. As a result, the Lakers are eyeing a trade deal in the coming days.
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Lakers are one of the teams eyeing a trade for Ty Lawson. The Denver Nuggets point guard has been considered available since the team drafted Emmanuel Mudiay in the NBA Draft. However, Lawson just received his second DUI of the year which many believed has hurt interest in a trade deal. Mannix writes that teams are still very much intrigued by his talents and abilities after he averaged 15.2 points and 9.6 assists last season.
Lawson has two years and $25 million remaining on his contract. Considering the upcoming spike in the salary cap, that deal is not a headache for a team like the Lakers to take on. The question is what are they willing to give up for Lawson is the need truly presents itself. Fans having watched summer league play would say the need is very great to get Lawson on the team. The Lakers squad has not looked good out in Las Vegas and for most NBA teams that is not a huge deal, but for Los Angeles, most of the players in the summer league tournament are expected to play big roles in the upcoming regular season.
The Nuggets could be desperate enough to dump Lawson that they accept a smaller trade package. The Lakers will not be willing to give up much for the player since they already lack for quality depth. Russell and Clarkson have yet to fit the bill for the team and a trade could be the best option to help the position. Nash is planning on doing everything he can to help the young stars.
According to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register, Clarkson and Russell will work out with Nash during the offseason before heading into training camp. Nash will get a good look at the two point guards which could force the Lakers to make a move. With other players like Brandon Jennings and Eric Bledsoe potentially available, Los Angeles has options if they have concerns for Clarkson and Russell.
