When the Los Angeles Lakers traded Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr to Cleveland last week, most attention focused on two aspects of the deal:
• By eliminating their future obligation to pay Clarkson’s contact (and to a more limited extent, Nance’s), and taking back two contracts that will expire after this season, the Lakers created enough cap space for two elite free agents either this summer or in 2019. But, just because they have cap room doesn’t mean they’ll actually sign a couple of stars.
• The Lakers also received the Cavs’ first-round draft pick, a selection which should end up in the early or mid-20’s.