The Los Angeles Lakers continue to evaluate their current roster as the team readies for the NBA Draft and free agency. Both events are expected to be fruitful for the team, but first they must decide who on the roster has a future with the franchise. Kobe Bryant has already reportedly made it clear that the 2015-16 season will be his final with the team and potentially in the league, but what about rising stars like Jordan Clarkson and Nick Young?
According to ESPNLosAngeles.com, general manager Mitch Kupchak likes what the team has in Jordan Clarkson who was inserted as a starter after Steve Nash retired and Jeremy Lin struggled. He went on to win All-Rookie honors and was a big reason why the Lakers failed to finish with the worst record in the league. While trade rumors have swirled around the point guard heading into the offseason, Kupchak appears sold on Clarkson's future with the team, but not as a full-time starter.
"We drafted him [46th overall]; didn't know he was going to have that kind of year," Kupchak said, via ESPNLosAngeles.com. "But he played a lot of minutes on a team that wasn't very good. So we're very encouraged, but the jury is still out on him. He looks to attack the rim. He's aggressive offensively. He's not going to walk the ball up the court, make an entry pass and cut through. He's going to push the ball, look for a crack and try to get to the rim, try to make a play. When he comes off a pick, he'll look to shoot. He'll pass the ball, but I would agree -- he's not the typical, prototype, ball-handling point guard."
The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing elite point guards in free agency, but that does not appear to hurt Clarkson's future with the team. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are eyeing Rajon Rondo and Goran Dragic with contracts. While some NBA insiders believe the team will recruit Russell Westbrook back out to Los Angeles next season. Kupchak likes Clarkson's potential on the team, but that does not mean the team is not looking for elite options this season.
Everyone from Young to Lin has requested a return for the 2015 season. Lin's contract is set to expire while Young is one year removed from signing an extension with the team. It has been reported most of the season that Lin is good as gone and Young could be as well if the Lakers can get a solid offer. The team has the No. 2 draft pick and plenty of salary cap space, so they will not hesitate to upgrade as many positions as possible.
