The Los Angeles Lakers are in pursuit of a center who can complement Anthony Davis and elevate the team's overall title odds. It's an easier task to discuss than complete, which is a primary reason the Lakers have thus far been unable to find the ideal fit.
Many have opinions about what the Lakers should be looking for and prioritizing, but that conversation has taken a turn for the unexpected in light of a recent revelation.
Davis is playing at an MVP-caliber level, giving the Lakers a bit of everything on both ends of the floor. The goal in Los Angeles is to make it as easy as possible for him to continue to perform at that level, with Davis' well-documented request for improved depth at center functioning as a top priority.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Brooklyn Nets may have provided the Lakers with a new and entirely unexpected trade target to consider: Nicolas Claxton.
"League sources say the rebuilding Nets are expected to be open for business, even with this competitive start (5-9; 20th in net rating) in which first-year coach Jordi Fernandez has made good use of the available talent."
Claxton re-signed with the Nets on a four-year, $100 million contract over the summer, but that doesn't necessarily mean Brooklyn would be unwilling to trade him. Per Amick's report:
"Big man Nic Claxton signed a four-year, $100 million extension last summer, but the reality of the Nets’ long-term plans means no one is likely off the table."
Claxton is one of the best defensive centers in the NBA, and while it's fair to question if he'd be a perfect fit in Los Angeles, the upside is fascinating to consider.
Nicolas Claxton is unexpected available as Lakers trade target
Claxton, 25, is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic defenders in the NBA. Standing at 6'11" and 215 pounds with a 7'2.5" wingspan, he uses his length and fluid athleticism to make an impact along the interior and perimeter alike.
The idea of pairing Claxton with Davis is thus alluring, as they would form one of, if not the very best, defensive interiors in the NBA.
Despite his thin frame, Claxton is also a productive rebounders who can create second chances and end defensive possessions. Between 2022-23 and 2023-24, he averaged 12.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.6 offensive boards, 2.0 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 0.8 steals in 29.8 minutes per game.
Those marks are consistent with Claxton's career per 36 averages of 14.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.1 offensive boards, 2.3 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 0.9 steals.
The obvious concerns in Los Angeles would be Claxton's thin frame and contract. The Lakers need a player who can defend high-level post scorers and keep heavier bigs off the offensive glass, and there's reason for pessimism relating to the fit in that regard.
The contract is team-friendly, however, as it's a front-loaded deal with a $28,409,086 salary for 2024-25 and a figure that progressively declines to $21,590,920 in 2027-28.
Having re-signed with the Nets over the summer, Claxton will be eligible to be traded on and after December 15. There will be pros and cons to consider, primarily as the Lakers balance his elite defensive capabilities with his 215-pound frame, but Pelinka should give this move serious thought.
Claxton may not be exactly what some are looking for, but the defensive potential of pairing him with Davis could give the Lakers a distinct advantage over the rest of the NBA.