Does this deal make the Lakers better or worse for the rest of this season? And if worse bad enough to get their first round pick here?
Theoretically worse. I've watched a lot of Lakers games this season due to the pick, and Clarkson has basically been one of their best players all season long.
In return, they get IT. I saw a graphic on one of the shows that IT is shooting worse than Lonzo Ball and is dead last in defense in the NBA. I think that he is literally the worst player in the NBA right now.
Now, if they are able to mirror what the Celtics did with IT, and he's back to 100%, he can basically carry an entire offense. They have their version of Smart in KCP to cover his
weaknesses. I don't see it happening, but that's why I said theoretically.