The Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers are both teams that are being frequently mentioned in numerous trade the past few months. And reports are now saying that they might end up meeting on a trading table with Jahlil Okafor and Jordan Clarkson as trade pieces.
Okafor has been one of the hot topics during the off-season and up until now rumors are still following him even the regular season already begun. He's been rumored to be on the trading block together with teammate Nerlens Noel and the reason behind this their overcrowded frontcourt. And with Joel Embiid returning in the lineup, it seems both players are dispensable to the team.
As for Clarkson, he's been previously mentioned also in trade deals having proven that he belongs to the big league already. Though he's been relegated by Lakers new head coach Luke Walton to the second unit, it looks like it is working wonders for him as he continues to improve and evolve as an all-around player for the team.
And with the 76ers needing a steady ball handler and some needed help in the backcourt, they seem to be targeting Clarkson to add on their roster. According to YIBADA English, it makes sense for the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers to swap Jahlil Okafor and Jordan Clarkson. Both players will give what both teams need.
The Lakers are said to be having a problem on their front-court and badly need a big man and Okafor could immediately provide what they wish for. As for Clarkson, battling playing time with Nick Young and Lou Williams could pose a problem with the team in the future and it might be better for Clarkson to move to the 76ers where he can maximize his full potential.
On a separate report by Sportsrageous, even if both teams will agree to this deal, this trade will not happen right now as Clarkson just recently signed $50 million four-year contract with the Lakers which means he is not eligible to be traded until December 15.
Aside from Okafor, the 76ers will also add Sergio Rodriguez in the mix to balance the trade deal and pass under the NBA trade rules and salary cap policy to make it a legal deal. Though Lakers fans might reject this trade but analyst believe that a prospective big man like Okafor could be what they waited for the development of the team.
Will the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers agree to swap Jahlil Okafor and Jordan Clarkson before the trade deadline?
