Lakers Rumors: Latest on Jordan Clarkson Trade, Lonzo Ball and Jerry West

The spotlight never shines away from arguably the NBA's premier franchise, so it comes as no surprise that plenty of rumors surround the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of a crucial stretch of in the league's offseason.

A No. 2 overall draft position brings plenty of intrigue and speculation, as new reports suggest the Lakers may be exploring different options with their top pick. Also, a logjam of current and potentially acquired future talent may force Los Angeles to move a quality piece sooner rather than later.

Let us take a look at the latest buzz surrounding the team as well as the possible implications.

Jordan Clarkson the Odd Man Out?

After stumbling to four straight seasons with under 30 wins, the Lakers have been able to stockpile young talent that could be ready to break out in the near future. With another highly touted rookie set to join the fray, Jordan Clarkson could find himself on the way out.

According to Moke Hamilton of Basketball Insiders, Los Angeles is "increasingly open-minded" about moving Clarkson with the draft approaching. Nothing appears very imminent or too substantial at this point, but the notion does make sense even though Clarkson emerged as arguably the team's best player over the past few seasons.

The 24-year-old former second-round pick averaged 14.2 points and 2.8 assists per game over the last three seasons while playing mostly on the wing. His 44.1 field-goal and 33.4 three-point percentages over that span are not outstanding, but Clarkson certainly has value as a legitimate slasher who can finish at the rim and provide consistent secondary scoring.

If the Lakers opted for a trade, Clarkson could command a solid return.

Los Angeles could certainly use an impact or budding big man to supplement a frontcourt that lacks much depth. Julius Randle is an effective mid-range and block player, and Ivica Zubac has some promise, but upgrading this area of floor looks to be a need moving forward.

The market for convincing another team to part with a young big man may be difficult, but Clarkson could be worth a mid to late first round pick. A team like the Orlando Magic could fit the bill, as it holds the No. 25 pick and could use some more length and athleticism in their backcourt.

With a loaded guard class at the top of the draft and buzz surrounding Paul George possibly becoming a Laker in the next couple of years, Los Angeles will need to make some sort of move to make its pieces fit. Clarkson looks like a prime candidate to be that guy, but the team must decide quickly whether that time is now, as it runs the risk of his value fluctuating the more he plays. 

Lonzo Ball Falling Out of Favor?

Despite Lonzo Ball's baggage with the family circus that surrounds him, the talented UCLA product seemed like a safe bet to end up a Laker. That was up until now.

In the first credible rumor since the draft lottery suggesting Ball may not be the favorite to end up in Los Angeles, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reports the Lakers could move in another direction unless Ball impresses in his workout:

"With reports surfacing that the LA Lakers and former UCLA guard Lonzo Ball have finalized the details of a workout and face to face meeting in LA next week, there is a growing sense that unless Lonzo absolutely blows the doors off, he may not be the Lakers’ guy.

The Lakers are weeks away from needing to make their final decision, but there are many that believe the Lakers could go after both Kansas forward Josh Jackson and Kentucky guard De'Aaron Fox."

Ball's camp, after previously boasting he would only meet with the Lakers, is now also reportedly looking to talk with others like the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sacramento Kings. This is certainly an interesting development, but is it the right course for Los Angeles?

D'Angelo Russell took big steps last season and is starting to look a starting NBA guard, but the playmaking ability that he showed at Ohio State has yet to manifest itself so far with the Lakers. He is averaging four assists per game through two seasons, but roughly 40 percent career shooting does not demand enough attention from defenses to help and create space for others.

Ball would solve this issue for the Lakers. He is pretty much inarguably the draft's best passer, as his 7.6 assists per game led Division I men's basketball as a freshman. He also showed the ability to create and make his own shot, shooting 55.1 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three. The 76ers highlighted this fact in a brief video package:

However, Ball's 2.5 turnovers per game will need to come down at the next level.

Adding Ball would allow the Lakers to have two floor generals in the game simultaneously while giving plenty more room to gifted scorer Brandon Ingram to develop his game. A year after drafting Ingram, it is tough to see Los Angeles taking another small forward in Jackson, but Fox presents a good fit.

The Kentucky product is arguably the fastest player in the draft while possessing excellent athleticism. He can push the pace while getting to the rim at ease and finding players teammates in transition. His three-point shooting (24.6 percent last season) gives Ball an advantage. However, he roasted Ball in the NCAA tournament, highlighting his superiority in the defensive part the game, via the NCAA:

Ball is the more polished and complete player at the moment, but Fox could turn into a superstar if he hones his athletic ability. Fox also does not bring a media frenzy everywhere he goes. In the end, though, Ball is a better fit as a missing piece the Lakers desperately need.

Jerry West Almost Returned to the Lakers?

Los Angeles made a big splash when it brought back legend Magic Johnson to call the shots in regards to player personnel, but another big name reportedly wanted to get back in the fold with the Lakers.

Jerry West was reportedly considered for a role in the Lakers front office before team controlling owner Jeanie Buss went with Johnson and Rob Pelinka as general manager, which is something those close to West say he wanted "more than anything," according to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register.

The Logo boasts a sensational resume as an executive, when he twice has won NBA Executive of the Year. He was the architect behind the "Showtime" Laker teams of the 1980s, helped bring in Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal to set up another dynasty and rebuilt the Memphis Grizzlies in the early 2000s with gems like Pau Gasol.  

West works as an executive board member for the Golden State Warriors, a position he took in 2011. Since that time, the team is making its third straight trip the NBA Finals, won a league title and drafted players like Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.

What could have been for the Lakers? It is not known exactly why West did not return to the franchise, but he has an uncanny eye for talent and team-building that would have been valuable. Plus, he is familiar with head coach Luke Walton from their days with the Warriors.

It now appears West may move across town, which could add insult to injury for the Lakers, per ESPN's Marc Stein:

Johnson and Pelinka still have ample time to prove themselves, but not adding West could end up as a setback for this rebuild if the team stumbles in the next few seasons.

Statistics are courtesy of NBA.com.