Los Angeles Lakers Guard Jordan Clarkson will be a free agent this summer. He said a few weeks ago that he wants to stay with the Lakers. He reiterated that sentiment today, when speaking on the signing of new Lakers head coach Luke Walton. From Jovan Buha of ESPN:
“It really impacts it a lot,” Clarkson told ESPN.com on Friday in a phone interview when asked about how the hiring affects his free-agency decision. “That style of play fits me, as well as the other guys. I definitely want to stay here in L.A. and be here. I said in my exit interview, I don’t want to be that guy who bounces around from team to team.
“I want to be here in L.A. — a place where I can call home — and leave a legacy. The hiring makes it even better.”
Part of what makes Walton so appealing to Clarkson is his age (36) and personality, both of which suggest Walton will be vital to the team’s internal growth and development among its younger players.
“It’s just an understanding,” Clarkson, 23, said. “He’s played the game, and he’s been out here in L.A. I feel like he’ll just be able to relate to us on different levels and make us all closer and want to compete.
“I think everybody’s really excited to have a young coach and a guy who believes in us. Just that style of play. It’s just an exciting time. We text all the time. I talk to Julius [Randle] a lot, D’Angelo [Russell], Larry [Nance Jr.] is back at the facility working out right now.
“It’s just cool to feel that vibe of energy.”
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Clarkson and Walton have already discussed next season, despite Clarkson’s uncertain contract status, which gives Clarkson optimism that he’ll be back.
“It went really well,” Clarkson said. “He told me about his style of play and how he really wants the young core to really bond together. Mostly, it was about how he wants to play and how he sees us, along with the future of the franchise.”
Clarkson made less than $850,000 this season, so he’s due for a massive pay day. Clarkson will likely sign a deal –with the Lakers or otherwise– for at least $15 million a year. He may even get a max contract. With the cap rising, you never know.
