The Los Angeles Lakers will need to focus on acquiring complementary pieces around LeBron James (25.0 PPG, 8.5 APG) and Luka Doncic (27.0 PPG, 7.8 APG). While this duo has been spectacular so far, offensive inconsistency—particularly from their bench—has been a glaring issue. The Lakers rank 28th in bench points per game (26.0 PPG), and that is a problem that can’t be ignored.
Austin Reaves is an excellent offensive player (18.8 PPG), but the Lakers still lack a true microwave scorer who can take over when the starters rest. If LeBron, Luka, and Reaves don’t score, the Lakers cannot generate offense well enough.
Enter Jordan Clarkson. The former Sixth Man of the Year and ex-Laker could provide exactly what this team needs: instant offense, shot creation, and a fearless mentality in crunch time. Clarkson will see his $14,285,714 salary expire at the end of next year, and, likely, the veteran won’t be looking to stay in Utah for the entirety of his career.
This proposed deal sends Clarkson back to Los Angeles in exchange for Maxi Kleber and draft capital, giving the Utah Jazz some flexibility while helping the Lakers gear up for a playoff push. Would this be the move that finally balances the roster and makes the Lakers true contenders? Let’s break it down.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: Maxi Kleber, 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 First-Round Pick Swap
Los Angeles Lakers Acquire Proven Scorer And Sixth Man
The Lakers have found offensive consistency around LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but they could use a go-to scorer off the bench. While Austin Reaves has been a massive boost to their championship hopes, the supporting cast hasn’t provided enough reliable scoring when needed. Jordan Clarkson changes that.
The former Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 16.6 points per game this season, proving he’s still an elite bucket-getter. His ability to create shots off the dribble, shoot from deep (36.5% from three), and thrive in high-pressure moments makes him a perfect fit for this Lakers squad. Clarkson also brings something the Lakers lack: a fearless offensive spark plug off the bench.
Gabe Vincent has not been the answer off the bench with an average of 5.9 points per game, and there isn’t anyone the Lakers can rely on off the bench. Clarkson? He’s a natural scorer who will take over second-unit possessions and keep the offense flowing when the stars rest. His ability to heat up quickly, particularly in transition and isolation, adds an entirely new dynamic to JJ Redick’s rotation.
This trade also carries a nostalgic touch, as Clarkson would be returning to the team that drafted him No. 46 overall in 2014. But this time, he’d be playing for a championship rather than a rebuilding squad. With LeBron still playing at an MVP level at age 40, the Lakers need to be in win-now mode.
Utah Jazz Don’t Lose Jordan Clarkson For Nothing
For the Jazz, holding onto Jordan Clarkson past this season makes little sense. They’re clearly in the midst of a rebuild, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings (15-50), and with Clarkson entering the final guaranteed year of his deal, they risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
By making this trade, Utah secures a valuable first-round pick swap in 2030 and a second-round pick in 2025—assets that could be flipped later for future talent. Maxi Kleber might not be a flashy addition, but he brings a needed veteran presence and frontcourt versatility.
At 6’10”, Kleber is a capable floor-spacing big who shoots 35.4% from deep for his career. Even if the Jazz don’t see him as a long-term fit ($11,000,000 next season), Kleber’s contract could become a useful trade asset later down the line.
More importantly, this move allows Utah to hand the offensive keys over to their younger guards. Keyonte George has shown flashes of brilliance as a playmaker, and Collin Sexton remains a high-energy scorer. Moving Clarkson clears the path for these young players to develop while ensuring the Jazz get something in return for a veteran they no longer need.
An Excellent Trade Idea For Both Teams
Trades that make sense for both sides don’t come around often, but this one checks every box. The Lakers get a much-needed scoring threat off the bench, someone who can carry the offense when LeBron, Luka, or Reaves rest. Clarkson is a proven playoff performer, and his ability to create instant offense fills a massive hole in LA’s rotation. He’s also used to playing with stars, meaning he’d have no problem adjusting to his role on a contender.
For the Jazz, this move is about asset management. Clarkson has been a fan favorite in Utah, but the franchise is shifting toward a youth movement, and letting a veteran guard walk for nothing wouldn’t be smart business. By acquiring Kleber and draft capital, the Jazz add a flexible piece to their frontcourt while maintaining future trade flexibility.
Ultimately, this deal gives the Lakers another weapon in their championship pursuit and provides Utah with valuable assets for the future. It’s rare to find a trade where both teams walk away in a better position than before—but this is one of them.
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