The Los Angeles Lakers have an excellent track record with second-round picks and undrafted free agents. One of the most successful examples of this track record is guard Jordan Clarkson, who has carved out a successful decade-long NBA career.
Clarkson has spent the last five and a half seasons with the Utah Jazz, which included a Sixth Man of the Year award for his efforts during the 2020-21 season. This long run with the Jazz is officially coming to an end, though, with Utah buying Clarkson out in the final year of his contract.
Clarkson will carry a $14.2 million cap hit on the Jazz, who are freeing up rotation minutes for younger players on the roster. This will not be the end of Clarkson's NBA journey, as he still has a lot to offer to the right NBA team.
Lakers could consider a reunion with Jordan Clarkson after Jazz buyout
While it's not the No. 1 need for the Lakers this offseason, there is something to be said about Clarkson's bench scoring and how it would translate to the Lakers. Defensively there are some concerns but the offensive potential is still there off the bench.
Clarkson averaged 16.2 points on 40.8% shooting while shooting 36.2% from beyond the arc last season. He is exactly the kind of microwave scorer who can come into a game and take it over in four-minute stretches.
As we just saw in the NBA Playoffs with the Indiana Pacers, having those microwave scorers off the bench can swing a game, and swing a series.
Clarkson will absolutely have interest throughout the NBA from several championship contenders. The veteran guard is likely going to sign for the league minimum, making him an extremely valuable edition in today's second-apron NBA.
That competition may keep the Lakers from reuniting with the 2014 second-round pick. With the money likely being equal across the board, Clarkson may pursue the team he perceives to have the best championship odds.
As great as we all feel about the Lakers heading into next season, there are several teams who can fit Clarkson into the rotation who have a better chance of winning the title. This is especially true in the wide-open Eastern Conference.