Lakers Linked to $97M Big Man 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 during his first season in Los Angeles.
However, there’s no doubt the Lakers’ front office will secure the top player on Doncic’s teammate wishlist sooner rather than later.
League rules and established deadlines prevent such a move until June 30, when NBA free agency officially opens and teams can resume making trades. At that point, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton will be a key name to watch in the Lakers’ pursuit of a big man.
“Two names continue to surface in league circles as potential Lakers center trade targets this summer: Myles Turner and Nic Claxton,” Evan Sidery of Forbes wrote on February 9. “Turner could be obtained via sign-and-trade if the Pacers are offered enough. The Nets have been open to trading Claxton for months.”
Turner is a sensible option, but acquiring him could be more complex due to his free-agent status this summer. The Lakers likely won’t be able to sign him directly due to limited cap space and strict new salary cap rules in the latest collective bargaining agreement.
This leaves Indiana with significant leverage in a sign-and-trade deal, and Los Angeles must carefully consider the long-term future with Doncic. Giving up unnecessary assets could prove to be an even bigger mistake this summer than usual.
On the other hand, Claxton is under a $97 million contract with a team that plans to remain bad for a few more seasons. The Nets are currently in the midst of a full rebuild, highlighted by their trade of Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers earlier this year.
At 25 years old, Claxton is four years younger than Turner. Over his six-year NBA career, he has averaged 10.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, and is entering his prime during the next three years of his contract.
Claxton provides a two-way presence, offering rim protection the Lakers desperately need with Anthony Davis sidelined, while also creating a lob threat for Doncic. Additionally, he will give L.A. a $21 million expiring contract in 2027-28, providing roster flexibility after the team hopes to secure a long-term extension with Doncic.