NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Confirm Jordan Clarkson trade; Luke Walton Wants D'Angelo Russell Out

Jun 21, 2016 09:55 AM EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers are filled to the brim of young talent with Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell leading the list. In fact, even their new coach is young as Luke Walton of the Golden State Warriors takes over from Byronn Scott. However, it looks like the former assistant coach of the Stephen Curry team has some major changes up his sleeve.

Rumors are rife that the Los Angeles Lakers will part ways with Jordan Clarkson soon. The Filipino-American basketball player, who is speculated to be romantically involved with Keeping Up With The Kardashians star Kendall Jenner, is slated to become a free agent soon. With the number of free agents joining the market, such as Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Hassan Whiteside, Al Horford and JR Smith, the Los Angeles Lakers front office might find it more beneficial for the team to let go of a young talent and sign a veteran.

Is this true? Will the Los Angeles Lakers no longer pursue Jordan Clarkson in free agency?

The answer remains to be seen. At this point, it looks like Clarkson is confident that he will be back with the Los Angeles Lakers next NBA season. In fact, he even shared his excitement over the entry of Luke Walton in their coaching staff.

"It's going to be good and that's why we're all excited for him to come here," shared Clarkson of incoming head coach Walton. He added, "I'm really just excited for his system and to be working with him and the new coaching staff. I don't think we have a full coaching staff yet, but I know that management is working on it. All of us are excited to have him on the team."

Another star from the Los Angeles Lakers roster who is expected to be out of the Kobe Bryant team soon is D'Angelo Russell. Given the drama the rookie caused between teammate Nick Young and the latter's then fiancee, rapper Iggy Azalea, rumors are swirling that Luke Walton wants Russell out of the team. That is, the former Golden State Warriors assistant coach wants to eliminate drama in the locker room to allow the players to concentrate on the games.

"He's really one of the biggest competitors I've been around," said Bob Myers of Luke Walton. The Golden State Warriors general manager added, "[A]nd also one that's been able to calibrate appropriately the place that basketball has in our lives."

What do you think? Should the Los Angeles Lakers get rid of the young stars and sign veterans to compete better in the next NBA season? Is D'Angelo Russell worth all the drama? Can the Los Angeles Lakers wait for Jordan Clarkson to fully show his potential?