For a four-win Lakers team, that is not a bad thing.
A new approach to building the roster (as opposed to the instant gratification of the past) has backfired as a young roster continues to struggle with injuries, chemistry and efficiency. Steve Nash is gone for the year, and promising youngsters Julius Randle and Xavier Henry will also miss the season. Ryan Kelly is also out due to an injury.
But in an effort to keep rebuilding with youth, Mitch Kupchak and the front office seem to have eyes for Earl Clark, who currently suits up for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News broke down the situation:
The Lakers have had 'talks' to sign forward Earl Clark this week, according to a league source familiar with the discussions. The deal is not finalized, but it’s believed to be a one-year deal worth $1 million. The Lakers could either wait until the NBA approves hardship exception to finish that deal. Or the Lakers could waive Henry, who is owed a guaranteed $1.1 million.
Signing Clark is a smooth move for a number of reasons. He has experience with the organization already, having appeared in a career-high 59 games with the Lakers a few years ago. He is also a stretch 4 who can play in place of Kelly or come off the bench and provide a spark. Adding Clark to the roster makes sense from a strategic standpoint.
While it is true Clark will be 27 years old in January, there is little reason to split hairs over a number—Clark is a young player with plenty of upside and room to grow with the Lakers over the course of the next several years.
He can help bring along the roster in that span if the organization so chooses to play it that way, which in time means it has itself a chiseled veteran to contribute off the bench.
By the sounds of an interview i...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
