The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly heating up the trade market with their eyes set on Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton, a move that could dramatically bolster their struggling defense and propel them back into championship contention. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, whispers of a potential blockbuster deal between the Lakers and Nets are gaining traction, with Claxton’s $97 million contract and elite rim-protecting abilities making him the ideal target for a team desperate to shore up its interior defense.
According to Hardwood Paroxysm’s Matt Moore, there’s significant chatter about the two teams collaborating on a trade. Moore highlighted the existing relationship between the franchises, noting their previous deal involving Dorian Finney-Smith. “Have heard about a lot of talks between the Lakers and Nets the past two years and they did the DFS trade already so there’s a relationship. Claxton would be a very good get, but there’s also the possibility of their going in for MPJ,” Moore wrote, also mentioning Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. as another potential Lakers target.
The Lakers’ defensive woes have been glaring this season, ranking 25th in overall defensive rating. They sit 16th in opponent points in the paint (allowing 50.6 per game) and a dismal 29th in blocked shots (just 4.0 per game). Even more alarming is their league-worst performance against the pick-and-roll, where opponents are shooting .597 against the roll man—a statistic that screams for better rim protection.
Current centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes have fallen short in anchoring the defense, leaving head coach JJ Redick’s squad vulnerable at the basket. Claxton, widely regarded as one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors, could provide the immediate upgrade needed. While he may not match Ayton’s offensive versatility, Claxton’s defensive prowess is unmatched: he’s an elite shot-blocker with the agility to switch onto perimeter players, often disrupting multiple threats in a single possession.
Evidence of Claxton’s impact is clear in Brooklyn’s recent success. Since December 1, the Nets have boasted the league’s eighth-best defense, allowing just 113.2 points per 100 possessions. In December alone, they topped the NBA with a stifling 105.4 defensive rating, going 7-4 over 11 games. By contrast, the Lakers rank 29th in defensive efficiency over the same period—a gap that Claxton could help close.
Rumors linking Claxton to the Lakers aren’t new. Back in late November, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported that the Nets big man has been on Los Angeles’ wishlist since last season. “Speaking of Claxton, it is worth mentioning that he has been a center on the Lakers’ wishlist dating back to last season,” Siegel noted. “He is very much in play to be traded as one of the best center trade candidates before February.”
Claxton fits the mold of a rim-runner and lob threat that franchise star LeBron James has thrived alongside throughout his career. James had tremendous success playing next to similar players such as Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run. Pairing Claxton with Anthony Davis could create a formidable frontcourt tandem, allowing Davis to roam more freely while Claxton handles the dirty work at the rim.
The Nets are holding firm on their asking price for Claxton, who inked a four-year, $97 million extension in June 2024 and has three years remaining on the deal. Reports indicate Brooklyn is seeking at least one unprotected first-round pick in return. A hypothetical Lakers package might include expiring contracts like those of Rui Hachimura and/or Gabe Vincent, along with young prospect Dalton Knecht and their 2032 first-rounder.
Claxton, in his seventh NBA season, is enjoying a career year with averages of 12.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks on an efficient 59% shooting. His addition could transform the Lakers’ defense from a liability into a strength, potentially extending their championship window in the twilight of LeBron James’ illustrious career.
As the trade deadline looms, all eyes are on L.A. If the Lakers pull off this deal, it could be the seismic shift that reignites their title aspirations and shakes up the Western Conference landscape. Stay tuned—blockbuster season is upon us.