The Los Angeles Lakers were a busy team this NBA offseason. After advancing to the Western Conference Finals this past postseason, but getting swept by the Denver Nuggets, Rob Pelinka went to work reshaping the roster to make them even more competitive for next season.
The core of this team is still LeBron James and Anthony Davis. As long as those two superstars are on the roster, Pelinka’s job will be to find players whose skill sets fit around them. He was able to accomplish that ahead of the deadline, revamping the entire roster with better-fitting pieces and instantly improving the product on the court.
Two of the acquired players, D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, were re-signed this offseason in free agency. Austin Reaves also re-signed, while the team added Cam Reddish, Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince and Jaxson Hayes in free agency.
Los Angeles has a deep, talented roster around their two superstars and looks poised to make another run during the 2023-24 season. If there is one area on the team that could use a little bit of shoring up, it is the frontcourt.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Lee Tran of Fadeaway World has suggested a trade that would instantly fill that void. In Tran’s hypothetical deal, the Lakers would make a deal with the Brooklyn Nets built around their center, Nicolas Claxton.
Tran suggested that Claxton be sent to Los Angeles in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2030 first-round pick and a 2030 second-round pick. Entering the final season of his contract, Claxton is someone that the Nets could consider moving on from if they cannot agree to a long-term deal.
Getting that kind of value in return for a player on an expiring deal would be nice for the Nets. They would add to their treasure trove of draft capital, putting them in an even strong position to swing a blockbuster trade. Hood-Schifino was also a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, giving them another young asset.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
For the Lakers, the fit may not be perfect offensively. Claxton offers no floor spacing, which is usually ideal for a LeBron James-led team. However, Claxton would provide them with the kind of presence at the center spot they have been missing since they won the NBA Championship in the 2020 Orlando Bubble. He is an above-the-rim player offensively, capable of cleaning things up on the offensive glass.
Defensively, is one of the best in the business at protecting the rim. But, he isn’t a player that is stuck to the paint, as he is as comfortable on the perimeter switching onto players as he is anchoring as the last line of defense.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Claxton and Davis would be a lot for opposing teams to go against defensively given their skill sets and versatility. The defense in Los Angeles has been spotty at times, but that would change with a player of Claxton’s caliber being added to the rotation.
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