The Los Angeles Lakers ' current playoff struggles reveal a glaring hole in the roster—the lack of a reliable center. Trailing 3-1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, the Lakers face an urgent need to retool their frontcourt. A proposed trade, according to Ivan White of Sporting News, involving the Brooklyn Nets’ star Nic Claxton could be the solution.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Need a Center
The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to trade Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić left them without a dominant interior presence. A failed deadline deal for Mark Williams due to concerns over his physical forced the team to rely on Jaxson Hayes. While Hayes held his own in the regular season, his limitations have been exposed in the playoffs.
In Game 4 against the Timberwolves, head coach JJ Redick resorted to a small-ball lineup for the entire second half, signaling Hayes’ playoff unreliability.
Key Issues with the Current Roster
- No true rim protector
- Overdependence on small-ball lineups
- Lack of a reliable pick-and-roll partner for Dončić
The Proposed Trade: Claxton to Los Angeles
Bleacher Report recently suggested a trade that would send Nets center Nic Claxton to the Lakers. The deal outlines the following:
Lakers Receive:
- Nic Claxton (C)
Nets Receive:
- Rui Hachimura (F)
- Maxi Kleber (F/C)
- First-round pick swaps (2028, 2030)
What Nic Claxton Brings to the Los Angeles Lakers
Nic Claxton, averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks this season, would provide:
- Elite rim protection
- A lob threat for Dončić
- Versatile defensive switching
As Ivan White notes in the original article: "Claxton wouldn’t suddenly make the Lakers a perfect team, but he could make them a much more complete squad and even a title favorite in 2026."
Impact on the Lakers’ Title Hopes
While the trade would cost the Lakers valuable assets, Nic Claxton’s skill set directly addresses their biggest weakness. Pairing him with Dončić and LeBron James could elevate the Lakers back into championship contention.
Potential Benefits:
- Stronger interior defense
- Better pick-and-roll execution
- More balanced playoff rotations
What’s Next for the Los Angeles Lakers?
Even if they overcome their 3-1 deficit, the Los Angeles Lakers must prioritize a long-term solution at center. Claxton represents an ideal target, but the front office will need to weigh the cost of future draft capital against immediate title aspirations.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could reel in $48 million Milwaukee Bucks star to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic in title push
For now, all eyes remain on their playoff survival—but the offseason could bring the move that solidifies their roster for another championship run.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Need a Center
The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to trade Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić left them without a dominant interior presence. A failed deadline deal for Mark Williams due to concerns over his physical forced the team to rely on Jaxson Hayes. While Hayes held his own in the regular season, his limitations have been exposed in the playoffs.
In Game 4 against the Timberwolves, head coach JJ Redick resorted to a small-ball lineup for the entire second half, signaling Hayes’ playoff unreliability.
Key Issues with the Current Roster
- No true rim protector
- Overdependence on small-ball lineups
- Lack of a reliable pick-and-roll partner for Dončić
The Proposed Trade: Claxton to Los Angeles
Bleacher Report recently suggested a trade that would send Nets center Nic Claxton to the Lakers. The deal outlines the following:
Lakers Receive:
- Nic Claxton (C)
Nets Receive:
- Rui Hachimura (F)
- Maxi Kleber (F/C)
- First-round pick swaps (2028, 2030)
What Nic Claxton Brings to the Los Angeles Lakers
Nic Claxton, averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks this season, would provide:
- Elite rim protection
- A lob threat for Dončić
- Versatile defensive switching
As Ivan White notes in the original article: "Claxton wouldn’t suddenly make the Lakers a perfect team, but he could make them a much more complete squad and even a title favorite in 2026."
Impact on the Lakers’ Title Hopes
While the trade would cost the Lakers valuable assets, Nic Claxton’s skill set directly addresses their biggest weakness. Pairing him with Dončić and LeBron James could elevate the Lakers back into championship contention.
Potential Benefits:
- Stronger interior defense
- Better pick-and-roll execution
- More balanced playoff rotations
What’s Next for the Los Angeles Lakers?
Even if they overcome their 3-1 deficit, the Los Angeles Lakers must prioritize a long-term solution at center. Claxton represents an ideal target, but the front office will need to weigh the cost of future draft capital against immediate title aspirations.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could reel in $48 million Milwaukee Bucks star to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic in title push
For now, all eyes remain on their playoff survival—but the offseason could bring the move that solidifies their roster for another championship run.
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