Lakers Interested In Ian Clark

The Lakers have interest in adding Ian Clark to the roster, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports (Twitter link). Turner cautions that no deal is imminent.

Clark spent the last two seasons in Golden State and his role expanded as time passed. The Warriors own Clark’s Early Bird rights, though the team is already in the luxury tax after re-signing most of its core. The franchise brought back Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston while adding Nick Young in free agency. After all the moves, there may not be enough minutes, let alone currency, for Clark to return.

The Lakers are looking for an experienced guard to mentor Lonzo Ball and Clark isn’t the only candidate for the job. Los Angeles is reportedly in on the Derrick Rosesweepstakes and the team plans to pitch the former MVP on its ability to offer more playing time and a larger contract than rival suitors can.

Entering the free agency period, Clark was expected to receive a raise on his 2016/17 salary, which was slightly under $1.02MM. Some NBA executives envisioned the 26-year-old landing a deal worth more than the mid-level exception. Los Angeles wouldn’t be able to make that kind of offer — the team only has the $4.3MM room exception remaining for free agents.

Clark previously played under Lakers coach Luke Walton during the coach’s stint in Golden State. It’ll be interesting to see if the relationship helps to bring the shooting guard to Los Angeles.

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