On June 4, 2025, Jordan Clarkson sent shockwaves through the basketball world during an interview with ESPN’s The Hoop Collective. “I’ve given everything to Utah, but I feel like it’s time for a change,” Clarkson said. “I started my career with the Lakers, and that’s where my heart is. I’d love to go back and help them compete for a championship.” The candid statement marks a dramatic shift for the veteran guard, who has been a cornerstone of the Jazz’s bench since being traded to Utah in 2019.
Clarkson’s desire to leave comes at a pivotal moment for the Jazz, who are in the midst of a rebuild following a 31-51 season in 2024-25. With young stars like Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George anchoring the roster, Utah’s front office, led by Danny Ainge, is focused on developing talent rather than contending immediately. For Clarkson, whose competitive fire and scoring prowess have made him a fan favorite, the Jazz’s long-term approach appears to clash with his immediate desire to chase a title.
Clarkson’s Journey: From Lakers Rookie to Jazz Star
Drafted 46th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014, Clarkson quickly emerged as a dynamic scoring guard, averaging 11.9 points per game in his rookie season. Over four years with the Lakers, he developed into a reliable sixth man, showcasing his ability to create his own shot and ignite the offense. In 2018, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the deal that sent Isaiah Thomas and others to Los Angeles, a move that marked the beginning of LeBron James’ tenure with the Lakers.
After a brief stint in Cleveland, Clarkson was traded to the Utah Jazz in December 2019 in exchange for Dante Exum and draft picks. In Utah, he found a perfect fit, earning the 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award after averaging 18.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Since then, Clarkson has been a consistent offensive spark, averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2024-25 season despite Utah’s struggles. His ability to score in bunches, handle the ball, and stretch defenses with his 35.2% three-point shooting has made him a valuable asset in the modern NBA.
Why the Lakers? A Perfect Reunion
Clarkson’s desire to return to the Lakers is rooted in both personal and professional motivations. Having spent his formative years in Los Angeles, Clarkson has often spoken fondly of the city and its fans. “LA is home,” he said in the interview. “The energy at Crypto.com Arena, the history of the franchise—it’s special. I want to be part of that again.” Beyond sentiment, the Lakers offer Clarkson a chance to compete for a championship alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom remain committed to the team for the 2025-26 season.
The Lakers, coming off a 47-35 season and a first-round playoff exit in 2025, are in desperate need of offensive firepower. With D’Angelo Russell’s contract expiring and questions surrounding the backcourt, Clarkson’s scoring ability and familiarity with the organization make him an ideal fit. His $14 million expiring contract for the 2025-26 season is also manageable for the Lakers, who could orchestrate a trade without sacrificing core pieces like Austin Reaves or their 2025 first-round pick, Jaime Jaquez Jr.
The Trade Landscape: What It Would Take
For the Jazz, trading Clarkson could accelerate their rebuild by bringing in draft picks or young talent. A potential deal with the Lakers could involve players like Gabe Vincent or Jarred Vanderbilt, both of whom offer defensive versatility that aligns with Utah’s youth movement. The Lakers could also include a future second-round pick or swap rights to sweeten the deal, though their limited draft capital—having traded picks in previous deals—could complicate negotiations.
The financial aspect of the trade is straightforward, as Clarkson’s $14 million salary matches well with players the Lakers could offer. However, the Jazz may demand a premium for parting with a proven veteran, especially given Clarkson’s value as a mentor to younger players like George and Collin Sexton. If the Lakers are unwilling to meet Utah’s asking price, other contenders, such as the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers, could enter the fray, given Clarkson’s appeal as a plug-and-play scorer.
Risks and Rewards for Both Sides
For the Lakers, acquiring Clarkson carries minimal risk. His expiring contract allows flexibility, and his familiarity with the organization reduces the learning curve. Paired with LeBron’s playmaking and Davis’ dominance, Clarkson could thrive as a sixth man or even a spot starter, providing the scoring punch the Lakers lacked in their playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets. His ability to create his own shot would also alleviate pressure on James, who turned 40 in December 2024 and is managing his workload more carefully.
For the Jazz, trading Clarkson could free up minutes for younger guards like Isaiah Collier and allow the team to fully commit to their rebuild. However, losing Clarkson’s leadership and scoring could further dampen Utah’s offense, which ranked 22nd in the league last season. The Jazz would need to secure significant assets to justify moving a player of Clarkson’s caliber, especially given his popularity among fans.
The Road Ahead: Can the Lakers Pull It Off?
As the NBA offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and Jazz executive Danny Ainge to see if they can strike a deal. Clarkson’s public trade demand puts pressure on Utah to act swiftly, as his value could diminish if team chemistry becomes an issue. For the Lakers, landing Clarkson would signal their intent to maximize LeBron’s final years and push for a 18th championship banner.
For Jordan Clarkson, the journey back to Los Angeles represents more than just a homecoming—it’s a chance to cement his legacy as a clutch performer on one of the NBA’s biggest stages. As the trade rumors swirl, the basketball world waits to see if the former Sixth Man of the Year will once again don the purple and gold.