The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

LA Lakers 6th Man Jordan Clarkson is having a tremendous season thus far. Clarkson is averaging 15 points per game in just 22 minutes, shooting nearly 49 per cent from the field, and over 35 per cent from the three-point line.

The Lakers have him inked through the 2019-20 season, so one has to wonder why his name continues to pop up in so many trade rumours?

• Here are two scenarios that factor into Clarkson’s name instantaneously being linked to any Lakers trade rumour.

THE SCENARIOS

1. The Lakers are still hard at work, creating maximum cap space to sign multiple free agents in the off-season.

2. There is also speculation about packaging him with Luol Deng (as they did D’Angelo Russell with Timofey Mozgov) to get rid of the last two-plus years of Deng’s contract.

(However, would jettisoning one of their best players really improve the team?)

If they trade Clarkson now they have no proven replacement to fill his role. Neither rookie Josh Hart nor Tyler Ennis can provide the offensive firepower that Clarkson does. For the Lakers, 10 of the 15 players include four rookies. Do they really need to add more young players to the team next year by trading Clarkson for a draft pick?

Not happening, Clarkson remains in LA.

The more likely candidate to be thrown in - in a deal for Luol Deng and his ridiculous contract - is PF Julius Randle.

LEAVING

REGARDLESS

After starting last year at power forward, he has been used primarily as a backup small-ball centre this season. Somewhat surprisingly, he has thrived in his new role, averaging 12 points and seven rebounds per game in just 22 minutes, while providing great energy for the second unit.

However, his rookie contract expires after the season when he will be a restricted free agent. Rumours abound about the Lakers trading him, either with or without Deng, due to his attitude souring while adjusting to his new bench role.

Randle possesses an unusual skill set. He is an excellent rebounder, ball-handler and a first-rate passer.

Despite not having great hops or long arms, he has been an adequate rim protector.

So look for Randle to be leaving LA, garnering a whole bunch of draft picks in the process - a win-win for all involved.

Speaking of wins, my #Cowboys need to win one ......anyway until next week, go hard or go home.

• Naughty presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm, on KISS FM 96.1. Comments and questions to naughty@tribunemedia.net