Los Angeles Lakers Listed as Possible Trade Destination for $97M Star Center

It has been a wild ride for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. From the Luka Doncic blockbuster trade to the upcoming playoff run, fans have had a lot of entertainment to digest from the 2024-25 campaign.

While the playoffs are just about to begin and the Lakers have clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, the upcoming offseason will be important as well.

At this point in time, it’s clear that Los Angeles will be building around Luka Doncic long-term. LeBron James is still a superstar and continues to play at a high level. However, there are clear needs alongside them that need to be addressed.

Looking ahead to the offseason, one of the main needs for the Lakers will be to find a legitimate starting center. They thought they had that fixed before the deadline with a second trade following the Doncic deal that would have acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets.

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Unfortunately, after the trade was agreed upon, Los Angeles had to pull out of the deal due to a concerning physical.

Bringing in a starting center should be the top priority this offseason. One intriguing name has been mentioned as a possible trade target.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has suggested an offseason trade with the Brooklyn Nets. In the trade idea, the Lakers would acquire Nicolas Claxton from the Nets in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, a future first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap.

“They made that since-rescinded trade for Mark Williams for a reason. A defense with Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and a 40-year-old LeBron James on the perimeter is crying out for paint protection,” Buckley wrote. “An offense with those three creators, meanwhile, can maximize a close-range finisher. Claxton, a career 63.5 percent shooter who’s about to crack the top 10 in blocks in per game for the third time in six seasons, checks both boxes with ease.”

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During the 2024-25 NBA season, heading into the final game of the year, Claxton had played in 69 games and started in 61 of those appearances. He averaged 10.3 points per game to go along with 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks, while shooting 56 percent from the floor.

Claxton is just 25 years old and would be a long-term pickup. He is currently signed to a deal that will keep him around for three more years after the 2024-25 season.

This is the kind of move that could round out the Los Angeles roster perfectly for years to come. He’s a good defensive presence in the paint and can score when called upon. It’s an intriguing idea to think about heading into the offseason.

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