Lakers Eye $97M Center to Pair With Luka Doncic
The trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams collapsed due to a failed physical, leaving Luka Doncic without a lob threat in his first season in L.A.
However, the Lakers’ front office is expected to fulfill Doncic’s top request for a teammate sooner rather than later.
Due to league regulations and set deadlines, any potential move must wait until June 30, when NBA free agency officially begins and teams are permitted to make trades again. When that time arrives, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton will be among the primary names linked to the Lakers’ search for a big man.
Brooklyn Nets Center Nic Claxton
“Two names continue to surface in league discussions as potential Lakers trade targets this summer: Myles Turner and Nic Claxton,” Forbes’ Evan Sidery reported on Sunday, Feb. 9. “Turner could be acquired via sign-and-trade if L.A. presents the Pacers with a compelling offer. The Nets have been open to dealing Claxton for months.”
Turner is a logical target as well, though acquiring him may be more complex since he is a free agent this summer. The Lakers likely won’t have the cap space to sign him outright due to restrictive salary cap rules under the latest collective bargaining agreement.
That gives Indiana significant leverage in a sign-and-trade scenario. With Doncic’s long-term future in mind, L.A. must be cautious about surrendering unnecessary assets, making this summer’s roster decisions even more critical.
Brooklyn Nets Center Nic Claxton
Claxton, meanwhile, is on a $97 million deal with a team seemingly prepared to struggle for the next couple of seasons. The Nets are undergoing a full rebuild, as evidenced by their trade of Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers earlier this year.
At just 25, Claxton is four years younger than Turner. Over his six-year career, he has averaged 10.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game and is entering his prime during the next three years of his contract.
Claxton offers a two-way presence, giving the Lakers much-needed rim protection in the absence of Anthony Davis while also providing Doncic with a lob-finishing option. Additionally, his $21 million expiring contract in 2027-28 will offer L.A. roster flexibility just as they aim to secure a long-term extension for Doncic.