I think so, but it'd be because of cost not because of fit. Russell's contract is higher, but he's "worth" more to the franchise. Clarkson doesn't make enough money to make an impact. One alternative though is attaching Clarkson to Nick Young to make Young's contract more attractive. That way you keep your two Top 10 picks.
That, however, looks like it won’t be the case as Jabari Young of CSNNW.com reports the Blazers have no interest in a sign-and-trade involving Aldridge: 'Though some around the NBA feel a sign-and-trade would make sense for the Blazers, as they can possibly get some assets if Aldridge leaves, the team is showing no interest in discussing such a move. If teams want his services, they’ll have to make their own way to create cap space to sign Aldridge.' This doesn’t affect the Lakers signing Aldridge outright as they already have enough cap room to do so if Aldridge were to agree to a contract. Rumors about possibly pairing Aldridge with DeAndre Jordan, however, would have required a sign-and-trade as the Lakers have no way to sign both to maximum contracts. The Lakers are one of the favorites to land Aldridge though some consider the San Antonio Spurs the front-runners. Even if the Lakers aren’t successful in luring Aldridge, they have a ton of other targets. The team is set to meet with DeAndre Jordan, Kevin Love, and Greg Monroe. Additionally, they are also reportedly interested in veteran big men Tyson Chandler and Robin Lopez. http://www.lakersnation.com/nba-rum...trade-involving-lamarcus-aldridge/2015/06/30/
Other than Fisher/Bynum I don't think we have much in the way of significantly contributing players on the last decade's teams that that we drafted. A few deep bench guys here and there but the last 2 runs have been mostly "non drafted" players. This is the Laker norm it seems.
I don't think they are that business stupid. Sounds like posturing. I can't see a business reason they wouldn't unless the trade was for end of the bench trash. With us it's most likely a young asset. Actually I'd rather them not help us if Jordan is the guy it helps us get. I just don't see it in him at all.
The thing is during the 2008-2010 Finals runs our bench guys that we drafted ended up being key contributors and provided solid depth. Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic, and even Luke Walton to an extent helped solidify our bench and played pivotal roles in getting to the championship. I'm not saying that we should solely depend on the draft to develop our team, but having first rounders, whether they are early or late picks, can still be key contributors even though they may not be franchise players. I don't want the Lakers to keep thinking that they have to start winning now and not even think about the future.
