With the playoffs officially out of the picture and Kobe Bryany guaranteeing his return, the Los Angeles Lakers are beginning to set their focus on the future and free agency this summer. The team will have a solid amount of money to spend and are already targeting big names about to hit the market. With the point guard position a priority, will the Lakers seek help already on the roster?
The Lakers were hoping for a rotation that consisted of Steve Nash as the starter and Jeremy Lin as the backup. That failed to develop as Nash was ruled out for the year with injury and Lin has done everything to show he is not meant to be a starter for any team, thriving more as a reserve. Both players will be off the payroll at the end of the season and are not expected to return. What about Jordan Clarkson?
Clarkson has been a diamond in the rough for the Lakers this season, but has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the year. Most are taking the assumption that any player on the Lakers is available at the right price, but Los Angeles might not be ready to give up Clarkson just yet.
According to the Orange County Register, Clarkson is being tutored by Bryant and Nash as both see him as a bright spot for the Lakers for years to come. Nash has been working with the rookie, helping him get over shooting slumps and other first-year issues and Los Angeles likes what they see out of their second-round draft pick.
"You start seeing some of the stuff that Steve is talking with him about," head coach Byron Scott said, via the Orange County Register. "Sometimes it's easier to relate to a player like that than it is to us as coaches. Because we're sitting there saying, 'The pocket pass is open. Jordan, the pocket pass is open.' Steve is showing you how to throw it in his own unique way, I think is even more important."
The Lakers are still planning on targeting big names in free agency at the position. Rajon Rondo told the media that Bryant has been recruiting him to the Lakers in free agency. Goran Dragic and Reggie Jackson are also being linked to the team. With Julius Randle returning and Nick Young improving, getting an elite point guard could really help the Lakers turn things around in 2015.
