After a surprising strong start for the Los Angeles Lakers, the team has gone in roller coaster ride with a series of wins and losses, leading them to decide for a possible trade which will bring Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Paul George, according to the latest trade rumors.
Both Clarkson and Ingram have contributed a lot to the early success of the Lakers as both of them come out with energy from the bench. The Lakers' bench is the league's top performing players as they score at a high rate of more than 50 points per game. While the team is currently on pace for a playoff spot, the management is looking to deal both players in order to acquire an all-star player.
On the other hand, All-star Paul George has been the face of the Pacers' franchise. After coming from a dangerous injury, he has shown the league and the fans that he can still play and score at a high energy level. However, because of the team's slow start where they are on a 9-10 win-loss record, George has now been linked to numerous trade deals. It seems that teams like the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers would benefit more of his services.
George is having a strong start this season, averaging 20.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His value will definitely boost the Lakers' offensive plays and could potentially be the next face of the purple and gold franchise, after the retirement of future hall-of-famer, Kobe Bryant.
Despite that, the proposed trade may not be a good decision for the Lakers as Clarkson and Ingram are both essential pieces for the future of the team. Separate reports also suggest that the Pacers' management already denied rumors that they are giving away Paul George.
As for both teams, the trade rumors look interesting. There is no final confirmation yet in the league but the Lakers and Pacers need to think deeply whether this will be the direction they want to go to.
