Lakers urged to reunite LeBron James with $20 million former 'fan favorite' guard via buyout
Lakers Urged to Reunite LeBron James with Former Fan Favorite Guard via Buyout
As the NBA buyout market begins to take shape following the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers are once again at the center of speculation regarding potential roster reinforcements. With the team looking to bolster its backcourt depth for a postseason push, a new report suggests the purple and gold should look to a familiar face to provide a scoring spark: Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson.
The report, which has gained traction among Lakers insiders, urges the front office to pursue a reunion with the former Sixth Man of the Year should he reach a buyout agreement with the Jazz. Clarkson, who began his career in Los Angeles and quickly became a fan favorite for his electric scoring ability and high energy, is currently in the midst of a contract that pays him roughly $14 million this season—a figure that, when combined with his previous extension numbers, places him in the conversation of high-value guards potentially hitting the open market.
While the "fan favorite" label is often tossed around loosely, Clarkson’s tenure in Los Angeles (2014–2018) was genuinely embraced by the faithful at Crypto.com Arena (then Staples Center). Since his departure, he has evolved into one of the league’s most consistent bench scorers. His ability to create his own shot and play off the ball makes him an intriguing fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, particularly as the Lakers’ second unit has struggled with offensive consistency.
The logic behind the move is sound. If the Jazz, currently pivoting toward a youth movement, decide to part ways with the veteran guard to clear playing time for their younger core, Clarkson would instantly become one of the most coveted names on the buyout market. For the Lakers, signing him would not only be a nostalgic reunion but a tactical upgrade, offering a proven playoff performer who thrives in the spotlight.
However, any potential deal hinges on Utah’s willingness to negotiate a buyout and Clarkson’s desire to return to the pressure cooker of Los Angeles. But for a Lakers team in need of a spark, bringing back the "flamethrower" might be the perfect low-risk, high-reward move to ignite a championship run.
As the NBA buyout market begins to take shape following the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers are once again at the center of speculation regarding potential roster reinforcements. With the team looking to bolster its backcourt depth for a postseason push, a new report suggests the purple and gold should look to a familiar face to provide a scoring spark: Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson.
The report, which has gained traction among Lakers insiders, urges the front office to pursue a reunion with the former Sixth Man of the Year should he reach a buyout agreement with the Jazz. Clarkson, who began his career in Los Angeles and quickly became a fan favorite for his electric scoring ability and high energy, is currently in the midst of a contract that pays him roughly $14 million this season—a figure that, when combined with his previous extension numbers, places him in the conversation of high-value guards potentially hitting the open market.
While the "fan favorite" label is often tossed around loosely, Clarkson’s tenure in Los Angeles (2014–2018) was genuinely embraced by the faithful at Crypto.com Arena (then Staples Center). Since his departure, he has evolved into one of the league’s most consistent bench scorers. His ability to create his own shot and play off the ball makes him an intriguing fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, particularly as the Lakers’ second unit has struggled with offensive consistency.
The logic behind the move is sound. If the Jazz, currently pivoting toward a youth movement, decide to part ways with the veteran guard to clear playing time for their younger core, Clarkson would instantly become one of the most coveted names on the buyout market. For the Lakers, signing him would not only be a nostalgic reunion but a tactical upgrade, offering a proven playoff performer who thrives in the spotlight.
However, any potential deal hinges on Utah’s willingness to negotiate a buyout and Clarkson’s desire to return to the pressure cooker of Los Angeles. But for a Lakers team in need of a spark, bringing back the "flamethrower" might be the perfect low-risk, high-reward move to ignite a championship run.
