The Los Angeles Lakers‘ plans of acquiring a big man in the offseason may set off in a very specific direction as a realistic target for acquisition has been revealed. As per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers will be setting their sights on Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton, as two potential candidates become unavailable.
Buha discussed this in a recent episode of “Buha’s Block“, where the reporter noted how the Lakers may shift their focus towards the Nets’ big man. He said:
“As far as center targets or center candidates, I think a couple of names on the trade market interest me most, and that would be first – Nic Claxton. That is a guy that I think should be at the top of the Lakers list.”
“Probably, for me, among the best of the realistic targets, so I would have Nic Claxton number one,” added Buha. “It is a big contract, it will be a little tricky to match it. But the Lakers, now, are projected to be under the first apron, so they will have the ability to aggregate contracts in a potential trade.”
Buha went on to say that pursuing Claxton should be a “no-brainer” for the Lakers if the opportunity presents itself. He continued by analyzing how the Nets center would fit with the team:
“He would fit with Luka in the pick-and-roll. Defensively, he’s among the most versatile centers in the league. He can switch out onto the perimeter. He can also protect the rim. He’s an underrated post defender despite his light frame.”
“Not the perfect player,” he added. “They’re not going to find the perfect center. But among the candidates that I think are realistic as of right now, to me, Nic Claxton is the one that makes the most sense.”
The mention of Claxton as the most realistic target is also reassuring. The 26-year-old has been incredibly versatile for the Nets over the past few seasons. At 6’11”, he averages 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He is also very efficient, as he shoots 56.3% on only 8.1 FGA.
Claxton’s athleticism and defensive instincts make him the ideal fit next to a Lakers team centered around Luka Doncic. However, he is in the second year of a four-year deal worth $97 million. Considering that he is owed $25.3 million next season, Los Angeles will have their work cut out for them while coming up with a relevant trade package.
Proposed Trade Details:
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets receive: Maxi Kleber, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, 2028 First-Round Pick
Such a deal would help the Lakers downsize and clear roster space. However, losing players such as Vanderbilt would have an impact on their perimeter defense.
After this, Buha listed Daniel Gafford as another player who would fit the Lakers, but unfortunately, will not be available to the team. Given the strained relationship between the Mavericks and the Lakers since the Doncic trade, it seems unlikely for the two teams to engage in negotiations again anytime soon.
He also acknowledged the challenges the Lakers would face when trying to acquire some other players that the organization has been linked. While dumping salaries to get the non-taxpayer mid-level exception emerges as an option to facilitate future trades, the team doesn’t necessarily benefit from being hard-capped at the first luxury tax apron.
Another name that Buha addressed as a potential target was Brook Lopez. He said, “I like Brook Lopez, but he is 37. He has slipped as an offensive weapon, and also as a rim protector and just overall defender.”
“On a short-term deal, I think you could do worse,” he continued. “I think he’s a notable upgrade on Jaxson Hayes. But he did get played off the floor in that first-round Indiana series, and that would be more of a concern.”
Buha mentioned several names as part of his list, including the likes of Clint Capela, Myles Turner, and Naz Reid. However, he listed them out due to the unlikelihood of the Lakers being able to afford them without clearing out more cap space.
He also addressed the value of the center position being on the rise again. Because of this, he discarded any notions of signing Walker Kessler or Jalen Duren, as the Lakers simply don’t have the assets to interest either team in a trade for these players.
Players such as Steven Adams and Al Horford also piqued the interest of the reporter. However, this was also in the context that they joined as backup centers rather than starters, as he aspired for the Lakers to develop a center rotation.
