According to Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak told the media that he expects D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson to be the team's dynamic backcourt for many years to come. However, there is some doubt that either player is capable of that. After an unimpressive stint in summer league play, both point guards have pressure to improve and imrpve quickly for the Lakers. If that fails to happen, could a trade be in the works?
Clarkson had a breakout season in 2014 and is coming into the new year with added pressure to be the guy. Russell was drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft to eventually be a franchise player. However, what is one of the two do not come true? The Lakers have a lot riding on a young core group of players that includes both point guards and Julius Randle who is coming off an injury-riddled rookie season that never ended up taking off. With trade assets to move, could the Lakers grab someone if a player struggles?
According to the Detroit Free Press, Brandon Jennings could become available if the Pistons favor Reggie Jackson. Right now, head coach Stan Van Gundy has a tandem backcourt in mind for the upcoming season, but many believe the Pistons will begin to favor Jackson and simply showcase Jennings for a trade. If that is the case, the Lakers could end up making a move. The team has players like Nick Young, Ryan Kelly and Robert Sucre they could move in order to acquire a trade for Jennings.
There could be multiple star point guards available in the first few months of the season. The Phoenix Suns signed Brandon Knight to a huge contract despite handing a big deal to Eric Bledsoe the year before. The Minnesota Timberwolves are eyeing Tyus Jones for the future despite giving a big contract to Ricky Rubio. The NBA rumor mill is abuzz that either Bledsoe or Rubio could be shopped by the first trade deadline of the year.
The Lakers have cautious optimism about their young group of players. Head coach Byron Scott noted that there are expectations on everyone's shoulders. Randle must prove he actually is a first-round talent despite missing his entire rookie season. Roy Hibbert must lead the charge on defense while Kobe Bryant attempts to come back from yet another injury in what might be his final season in the NBA. Russell and Clarkson are just one part of the offseason headlines heading towards Los Angeles and the Lakers will not hesitate to make a move if needed.
