The Los Angeles Lakers were the face of the NBA trade deadline last season after capitalizing on a deal to land Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.
This season, it appears that the Lakers aren't looking to make another splash move with that level of value. However, it appears that Los Angeles is staying active in the trade market.
According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton is a trade target for the Lakers.
How would Nic Claxton fit into the Lakers' rotation?
The Lakers have a financial issue that leaves them with under $1 million in cap space before going over the NBA's first apron, so other roster moves would be needed for Los Angeles to bring Nic Claxton and his four-year, $97 million contract that expires at the end of 2027-28.
The Brooklyn big man is having one of the better seasons of his seven-year career. Through 40 games, Claxton is averaging 12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 58.3 percent from the field.
If he were to get traded to LA, Claxton would likely be paired in a center duo with Deandre Ayton while Jaxson Hayes slowly fades out of the rotation.
Rumors have mentioned that the Lakers have players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber that could be paired with Dalton Knecht to come up with a deal, David Yapkowitz of ClutchPoints mentioned in an article.
Los Angeles may have to be willing to part ways with one of the limited supply of first-round picks they have over the next few years as well.
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