Earl Clark no longer an option for Lakers

Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Earl Clark, after recent talks to return to the Lakers, is signing a lucrative deal in China instead, according to league sources.

Clark is in the process of finalizing his release from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA D-League to make the move to China to join the Shandong Lions.

Clark started 36 games with the Lakers in 2012-13 and was the D-League's player of the month in November. He entered into contract talks with the Lakers after L.A. lost swingman Xavier Henry to its third season-ending injury of the young season, but team officials decided against making an immediate roster move.