The Los Angeles Lakers continue their push toward the postseason this season with stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic running the show. Since the trade of Doncic, this team has looked very formidable and they seem to have a real chance to compete in the Western Conference this year.
But one area that the Lakers are lacking in is within the frontcourt. After the team traded away star Anthony Davis, it left a big hole in the frontcourt.
The Lakers have worked well to navigate things without a true starting caliber center and they are expected to look for one this offseason. Los Angeles will have plenty of options to choose from and the team could look on the trade market for a big man.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report listed a few names for Los Angeles that they could go after. Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets was on that list and he could serve this team very well.
“The Lakers might need to do a little convincing to get Luka Dončić, who could enter free agency in 2026, to tie his future to theirs. Those recruitment efforts should start in full swing this summer, as the team starts to construct a supporting cast tailored to his strengths. L.A., of course, has a glaring void on the interior following the voided deal for Mark Williams, and that needs to be addressed sooner than later. The Lakers need a lob-finisher who can anchor the defensive interior, and both Claxton and (when healthy) Robinson check both boxes.”
Claxton was being linked to the Lakers before the trade deadline and the team could circle back on him. The big man is exactly what the Lakers need from a center as he would give them defense and rebounding.
For the year, Claxton has averaged 10.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. Claxton could be the big lob threat that the Lakers need alongside Doncic and James, helping to round things out.
His contract also is very team-friendly as well as it declines every season. Claxton will be making $25.3 million next year, followed by $23.1 million, and finally, $20.9 million before he hits free agency.
This is the type of player and contract that the Lakers will try to land this offseason. It may not be Claxton but he would make all sorts of sense for this Lakers team.