Earl Clark has played an integral role for the Los Angeles Lakers since becoming the starter last month, and he knows that his value has increased ahead of unrestricted free agency this upcoming offseason.
"Obviously, not playing earlier and averaging those [low] numbers, I didn't know where I would end up," Clark said. "Playing good now and with other teams wanting you, you can pick your own destiny. It feels good to be in the driver's seat."
Still, Clark made it clear that he hopes to re-sign with the Lakers.
"This is my first team that gave me an opportunity. I love the guys here," Clark said. "The organization and the style of play fits me. I really want to stay here."
Clark, 25, is making just $1.2 million this season. He has averaged 10.8 points and 8.5 points since supplanting Pau Gasol as the Lakers' starting power forward.
Well Dwight is the only player that really matters to the future of LA. They would amnesty Kobe if they thought that would make Dwight sign a long contract.
Well Dwight is the only player that really matters to the future of LA. They would amnesty Kobe if they thought that would make Dwight sign a long contract.
Well Dwight is the only player that really matters to the future of LA. They would amnesty Kobe if they thought that would make Dwight sign a long contract.
This is only true if Dwight can be OK with being Bill Russell instead of Shaq or the Lakers can get Kyrie. As long as he thinks he deserves touches in crunch time he will just get hacked right out of the playoffs.
I hope his salary demands aren't too ridiculous, I would love for the team to resign him.
I think he could get a minimum of $3-5MM/yr or max of $8-9MM/yr.
He's 6'10" but plays more of a SF style b/c of his body frame. I think we all know that Rashard Lewis has totally devalued these types of players when he got $20MM/yr contract. If he can keep it up, he could be a "new Lamar Odom(the younger version)," which would be great for the Lakers but would cost a bit too.
If GMs see him more of a Rashard/Frye/ type = $3-5MM/yr.
If GMs see him to be a new Lamar Odom(pre-2011) = $8-9MM/yr.
If we move Gasol this summer (will most likely happen, since he's expiring) I say we give this guy a deal similar to J.Hill. Move forward with a backcourt of Howard, Hill and Clark.
If we move Gasol this summer (will most likely happen, since he's expiring) I say we give this guy a deal similar to J.Hill. Move forward with a backcourt of Howard, Hill and Clark.
Earl Clark Wants to Re-Sign with L.A
