The Los Angeles Lakers are once again making noise in the trade market, and this time the target is a rising star who perfectly complements Luka Doncic’s playstyle: Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton. Matt Moore reports:
“Multiple Lakers outlets have reported on ‘theoretical’ trades involving Nets center Nic Claxton, and that’s not a coincidence. Claxton provides an athletic veteran floor runner who can switch to put next to Luka. The Nets and Lakers have done deals before, multiple times, and Claxton is likely ready to be on a contending team.”
Following a turbulent 2024-25 campaign that ended in a swift playoff exit, the Lakers are on a mission to fill the void left by Anthony Davis after his blockbuster trade to Dallas. That hole in the frontcourt has made Claxton one of the most talked-about potential additions, and league insiders believe the fit is almost too logical to ignore.
Claxton, 26, is coming off another solid year with the Nets, averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 56.3% shooting while providing elite rim protection and switchable defense.
His athleticism, shot-blocking, and ability to run the floor make him an ideal pick-and-roll partner for Doncic, who thrives when surrounded by mobile bigs who can finish and defend.
With the Lakers now fully embracing a roster built around Luka, Claxton fits the mold of what this team desperately needs: a defensive anchor who doesn’t require touches to impact the game. He’s under contract for four more seasons at $97 million, a manageable deal given the rising salary cap and Claxton’s growing value.
Meanwhile, internal debates rage in L.A.’s front office regarding their current roster. Austin Reaves had a breakout season, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting nearly 38% from three.
His $13.9 million salary is a steal for now, but his value will skyrocket in 2026 free agency. While his agent denies trade talks, league insiders confirm that the Lakers would consider moving Reaves but only for a young All-Star talent who complements Luka’s timeline. Claxton checks many of those boxes.
Rui Hachimura, though, may be more expendable. His strong postseason performance and 41% clip from three-point range have boosted his trade stock, but with his $18 million salary and overlap with Doncic, LeBron, and Dorian Finney-Smith, he could headline a multi-player package to bring in a starting-caliber center like Claxton.
Shake Milton also gives L.A. quiet leverage. His $9 million deal over three years, with only the first year fully guaranteed, makes him a perfect salary-matching asset. Combined with young sharpshooter Dalton Knecht and future picks, the Lakers could build a competitive package without gutting their long-term flexibility.
As the Nets continue their roster teardown, moving veterans like Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith for assets, Claxton appears to be the next piece on the table.
Brooklyn may not give him away cheaply, but if they aim to accelerate a rebuild or make a bold move for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Trae Young, a deal involving Reaves could benefit both sides.
Claxton’s fit alongside Luka Doncic is clear. With excellent defensive instincts, low usage, and positional versatility, he could be the defensive backbone this Lakers roster lacked in the 2025 playoffs. The rumors may still be theoretical, but the logic behind them is becoming increasingly real.
