NBA Trade Rumors: Nic Claxton Heads to LA Lakers in Proposed Deal This Offseason

The Los Angeles Lakers' transformation with Luka Doncic won't be complete until they're able to find themselves a legit starting center. That process will take place this summer, and the latest name to be linked to them is the Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has suggested a trade that would send the 6'11" rim protector to the Lakers, and it would look like this:

Los Angeles Lakers receive:

Nic Claxton, C

Brooklyn Nets receive:

Rui Hachimura
Dalton Knecht
Future first-round pick
Future first-round pick swap

The Lakers have all the offense they need in Luka, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, but protection in the paint is not one of their strong suits. "They made that since-rescinded trade for Mark Williams for a reason,” Buckley wrote. Hard to find a better solution for that need around the league than Claxton. He can also finish around the rim with ease, which would be another threat with the playmaking of Luka & LeBron.

Claxton is averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots per game and is a career 63.5% shooter from the floor.

The Nets get a couple of nice pieces to continue their rebuild. Hachimura has established himself this season as a top-notch power forward in the league, averaging 13.1 points and 5 rebounds, while shooting 41% from long distance. Knecht is a promising youngster, after being selected in the first round (17th overall) in the 2024 Draft.

The first-round assets are another sweetener for the Nets.