The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the world by acquiring Luka Doncic in a three-team deal involving the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks on February 1. Then, the Lakers sent Dalton Knecht and more to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for big man Mark Williams.
However, the Williams deal ended up being reversed due to a failed physical by Williams. While it created an uproar, it also left the Lakers without a center, a glaring hole that opened up when they traded Anthony Davis to Dallas.
The Lakers signed veteran Alex Len, although that move hasn't worked out as many hoped for. In the offseason, finding a center should be at the forefront of the Lakers' action items.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report compiled some trade scenarios for the offseason. In one of them, the Lakers center issue was solved, although it would end up costing them Knecht and more.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: SG Dalton Knecht, F Rui Hachimura, 2025 second-round pick
In the meantime, Jaxson Hayes has been playing center, and the 24-year-old hasn't been too bad. Still, he is a free agent in the summer, and there is no question Claxton is an upgrade, as Swartz wrote.
"Claxton, 26, would be a big upgrade over Hayes. He's a potential defensive anchor who blocked 1.4 shots per game and held opponents to a solid 58.7 percent shooting at the rim this season to go along with 10.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Signed for the next three seasons on a contract that actually decreases by about $2 million per year, he'd be an affordable option for the Lakers in the middle."
The controllable contract for Claxton is also a positive for the Lakers, so tying him to the franchise for the next few years would be a solid pickup. And, the Lakers and Nets have engaged in trades before, even this season with D'Angelo Russell being sent to Brooklyn in a package involving Dorian Finney-Smith.
MORE NBA NEWS:
- Trae Young predicted to be involved in shocking trade to Western Conference
- Davion Mitchell's surprising connection to Donovan Mitchell
- Brian Windhorst's hotel reservations predict which teams can win NBA Finals
- Cavs' Donovan Mitchell admits to wild physical limitation