The Los Angeles Lakers would have been a logical destination for Reggie Jackson since they are prioritizing the addition of a playmaker on the roster. But as most know by now, the 29-year-old point guard ended up joining the Los Angeles Clippers. And it appears there was a reason behind it.
For a team that seemed bent on taking some load off LeBron James, the Lakers were unusually not that aggressive on Jackson. After the 24th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft agreed to a buyout with the Detroit Pistons, the Clippers wasted no time in trying to strike a deal. The Lakers were hardly in the picture.
It turns out that the business side of Jackson was the reason why they did not heavily pursue the 6-foot-3 guard, the Bleacher Report reported. Jackson is handled by Aaron Mintz of CAA. It appears the Lakers have not had a good working relationship with the group. CAA is also the same group that manages Paul George. Ironically, George was someone the Lakers pursued last summer. George never gave the Lakers a chance and opportunity to pitch, and this could possibly be the reason although it was not directly mentioned.
Regardless, the Lakers are moving on and have instead directed their attention to Maurice Harkless. In a previous post, it was mentioned how the purple and gold would be interested in the 26-year-old if he gets bought out by the New York Knicks. So far, nothing has transpired, although the Lakers are likely monitoring the situation.
If ever they do get Harkless, the Lakers should also be aware that getting Harkless may be good for this NBA season only. He is set to become a free agent this summer and is expected to seek a better contract from interested ballclubs. The Lakers could still try to keep him if he performs well. Harkless could give staying in LA a second, though, especially if the team can win it all this 2019-20 season. But as mentioned earlier, it still depends if Harkless requests a buyout from the Knicks.
On the part of Jackson, he gives head coach Doc Rivers and the Clippers a much-needed boost in the playmaking area. Patrick Beverly remains sidelined due to injury, and the Clips have been making do with make-shift guards in Lou Williams and Landry Shamet. With the roster they have right now, there is no denying that the Clippers are looking better with all key positions filled.
