The Perfect Lakers Trade Offer for Nic Claxton
The last time the Lakers were able to capture the Larry O’Brien trophy, they had one of the most dominant front courts in the league. Between Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee, and Dwight Howard, the painted area was under control seemingly at all times.
Since then, it’s been a constant cycle of swinging and missing in attempts to surround Davis with supplemental talent. When Los Angeles traded Davis for Doncic, the need for depth in the big man room became even more paramount.
Rob Pelinka attempted to solve that riddle by trading for Hornets center Mark Williams, but ultimately, the trade fell through.
This offseason, it’s the worst-kept secret in the league that the Lakers’ number one priority is securing multiple centers. Some names that have been floated out thus far have been interesting.
There are “bridge gaps” like Clint Capela or Steven Adams. Other guys have been labeled borderline starters, but certainly good depth like Goga Bitadze or Brook Lopez. By far the most interesting name that has been brought up is Nets center Nic Claxton.
The Lakers are targeting an athletic rim-running big man.
After the voided trade for Mark Williams, two names to keep a close eye on this summer are Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford.
Brooklyn has been open to moving Claxton, while Gafford is seeking an extension with a pay raise. pic.twitter.com/LluUGYrrPI
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 31, 2025
Who is Nic Claxton?
If you’re looking for a long athletic big who runs the floor well and protects the rim, Nic Claxton is your man. The 6’11 Claxton is only 215 lbs, so he’s not quite the bruising center Los Angeles has been searching for, but he uses his frame to his advantage.
This last season for Brooklyn, Claxton averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks on 56% from the field. On offense, he’s a fantastic screener and roller and runs the floor well in transition. Defensively, he’s a premier young rim protector in the league, ranking in the 96th percentile in BLK% (5.6).
At the young age of 26, Claxton is on the cusp of his prime and likely will want out of Brooklyn sooner rather than later. Enter Los Angeles.
The Perfect Lakers Trade Offer For Claxton
Lakers receive: Nic Claxton
Nets receive: Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and an unprotected 2031 first-round pick
A trade for Claxton would instantly transform the Lakers into a totally different team. A player of that caliber at that age comes at a cost. It’s likely that Brooklyn would want Dalton Knecht in a deal for Claxton.
In that case, the Lakers could offer Knecht, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, and the deal would still work financially. This article, however, is a perfect trade for the Lakers, not the Nets.
Rui Hachimura has been very good in LA. He’s shot over 40% from three the last two seasons and has become second all-time in three-point percentage in the playoffs.
Regardless of his strengths, his inconsistency and defensive limitations on a team stocked with wings can’t be ignored. With a lineup of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, scoring won’t be the glaring issue. The team needs more defensive help, especially down low.
While Rui has been able to hold his own against centers for stretches, he’s not consistently a viable option down low. Maxi Kleber has never been known as a rim protector either. Claxton’s defensive value and overall upside would easily be worth the pair and the pick.
The Fit
Of all the names that have been floated around to this point, outside of Daniel Gafford (who already has a proven track record with Doncic), Claxton is by far the best fit.
Luka Doncic talks about Nic Claxton’s defense.#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/UChjckIWBz
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) February 4, 2025
Easily the most important point of emphasis in LA’s search for a big man is their ability to mesh with the new face of the franchise, Luka Doncic. Claxton is about as perfect a fit as there is.
Claxton’s skills in the pick-and-roll game fit like a glove with Doncic, and his ability to protect the rim can bail Luka out of situations where he gets blown by on the perimeter. There’s no doubt that his talents would be even further amplified in Los Angeles.
Claxton has never played with a playmaker like Doncic before in his career, and frankly, James and Reaves may even be two and three right behind Luka. In a moving, spaced-out Redick offense, Claxton would enter his prime in the ideal situation.
It will be interesting to see just how aggressive Pelinka is this summer in acquiring a big. Regardless, it will be fun to see who ends up being the newest anchor down low for the Purple and Gold.
