LA Lakers Rumors: Lakers to Sign Earl Clark

The Lakers, 5-13, have started this season on a sour note. Despite getting a healthy Kobe Bryant back, the team has taken hits with season-ending injuries to Steve Nash, and two promising rookies, Julius Randle and Xavier Henry. On top of that, young forward Ryan Kelly will miss about five weeks of playtime due to a torn right hamstring. The team is in serious need of rebuilding.

According to Los Angeles Daily News, the Lakers are set to apply for the NBA's hardship exception. If granted, the Lakers could have a 16-man roster.

"We would have to find a better player than who is on our roster now since you have to cut somebody," said general manager, Mitch Kupchak, regarding the NBA rule that only allows a maximum of 15 players on one roster. "I'm not sure those players exist as free agents. When we get something closer to the trade deadline, there might be something there."

With these injuries and a poor defensive front, the rumors are that the Lakers might sign Earl Clark, who plays for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League).

"The Lakers have had 'talks' to sign forward Earl Clark this week, according to a league source familiar with the discussions. The deal is not finalized, but it's believed to be a one-year deal worth $1 million. The Lakers could either wait until the NBA approves hardship exception to finish that deal. Or the Lakers could waive Henry, who is owed a guaranteed $1.1 million," Mark Medina with the LA Daily News detailed.

Clark, who turns 27 in January, could be the player that the Lakers need. Clark has had experience with the Lakers in his past and also has a lot of room to grow. If the Lakers sign Clark, he could be taking on the role of a mentor to the younger players.