The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to fortify their roster around Luka Dončić and LeBron James after a disappointing playoff exit.
With a glaring need for a defensive-minded center to anchor their frontcourt, the Lakers are reportedly exploring trade options to address their paint deficiencies.
One intriguing candidate from the Brooklyn Nets has emerged as a potential fit.
Sam Quinn of CBS Sports recently highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of this target.
“Pros: Checks several important defensive boxes. He's been a strong rim-protector for several years, but he's at his best as a switch-defender on the perimeter. He'd unlock a lot of schematic versatility for the Lakers in that way. He's a great leaper who can cover a lot of distance in the air, which Dončić can obviously take advantage of. However, he's also a strong playmaker, especially as a short-roller. He'd make blitzing Dončić off of screens much more dangerous because he's one of the few centers who can really take advantage of a 4-on-3 as a passer. He probably wouldn't cost quite as much as (Walker) Kessler would, so he's a bit more attainable, and his contract descends in value in each of the next three seasons."
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"Cons: He's never had great hands, which is less than ideal when trying to catch sky-high Dončić lobs," Quinn continued.
"He's skinny and his post defensive numbers have never been great, which is less than ideal in Nikola Jokić's conference. He doesn't get his hands on the ball quite as much as you'd like for a player as athletic as he is. His deflection numbers have been pedestrian over the past two years and his block numbers declined last season. Was that the result of playing for a bad team or something more? He's had some medical red flags in the past, and he's even acknowledged the long-term nature of a back injury he dealt with last season. As with so many other bigs we've covered, he's a shaky free-throw shooter.”
This player is Nic Claxton, the 26-year-old Brooklyn Nets center who has been frequently linked to the Lakers. Claxton’s defensive prowess, particularly his ability to switch onto perimeter players and protect the rim, makes him an ideal fit for a Lakers team that struggled defensively in the 2025 playoffs. His athleticism and leaping ability align perfectly with Doncic’s playmaking, allowing him to finish lobs and capitalize on pick-and-roll opportunities, as alluded to by Quinn.
"Clax" is set to make $25.4 million in 2025-6, but that number drops to $20.9 million by 2028, a key consideration for a team navigating the salary cap.
A potential trade could involve players like Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a 2031 first-round pick. Such a package would be a steep price, but Claxton’s youth and fit might make it worth it.
While not a perfect player, Claxton’s defensive versatility and offensive upside could help to solve the Lakers’ frontcourt issues.
Will Lakers GM Rob Pelinka be able to pull off a deal for Claxton?
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