The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly working out the details for a deal to sign forward Earl Clark for one year.
According to league insiders via the LA Times, the Lakers are looking to reunite with the big man following a slew of roster concerns due to injuries.
The team has already lost three players to season-ending injuries, namely, Julius Randle (leg), Xavier Henry (Achilles), Steve Nash (back). The Lakers have recently been granted a disabled player exception for Nash. Additionally, Ryan Kelly is currently sidelined with a hamstring tear.
Byron Scott, LA Lakers coach told ESPN on Tuesday "that team officials were in contact with the league office about applying for a hardship exception from the NBA to add a 16th player to the roster, one more than the regular-season maximum. Once Kelly returns, the Lakers would need to trim their roster back down to 15."
Yahoo! Sports noted that Clark is familiar with the LA Lakers, both as an organization and its management style. The athlete was part of the team's roster in the 2012-2013 season where he had his most productive NBA stats. Clark played in 59 games -- where he started in 36 -- and averaged seven points with 44% shooting from the field.
"When I was with the Lakers, I got the opportunity to get out there and play some big minutes-I didn't have to look at the bench every possession to see if I was coming out. It was the first time where I felt good, where I was comfortable playing basketball again. That's something that I'm looking for," quoted The Bleacher Report of Clark who spoke to Basketball Insiders about his previous stint with the LA team.
SB Nation's SSAR recalled the experience of Clark in the NBA following his time with the Lakers. Clark signed a two-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers but was waived by the team. He then transferred to play for the New York Knicks where he ended the season.
During the preseason, the 26-year-old spent some time with the Memphis Grizzlies but the baller didn't make it past training camp. Clark is currently playing for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA's Development League where he currently averages 29 points, 7 rebounds and two assists.
