The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be rumored favorites to make a move for Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of a game-changing move that could shake up the NBA in the summer of 2025. According to reliable sources, Brooklyn Nets’ center Nic Claxton is the top target for the Lakers, with the purple and gold emerging as the frontrunners to land this talented “big man.” With his exceptional skills and untapped potential, Claxton could become an unstoppable force, providing the crucial boost needed to propel the Lakers back to championship contention.
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Nic Claxton: The Perfect Fit for the Lakers
At 26 years old, Nic Claxton is one of the NBA’s most promising young centers. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting 56.3% from the field. While his stats have slightly dipped compared to the previous two seasons, this is largely due to the instability of the Nets, who are in a rebuilding phase after a disappointing 26-56 season.
Claxton is known for his quick movement, versatile defense, and elite rim protection. He’s the ideal center to pair with superstar Luka Doncic, who needs a “lob threat” for alley-oop plays and a reliable rim protector. Standing at 6’11” with a long wingspan, Claxton is not only a menace in the paint but also excels in switching on defense, fitting perfectly into the modern NBA’s style of play.
Analysts like Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times and Kevin Pelton of ESPN have linked Claxton to the Lakers as a top option to upgrade their center position. After trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic, the Lakers desperately need a center who can defend and finish strongly at the rim. Claxton, with his four-year, $97 million contract running through the 2027-28 season, is a long-term investment with immense upside.
Why the Lakers Are Coveting Claxton
The Lakers’ playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round exposed their biggest weakness: a lack of a dominant center to match up against elite big men like Rudy Gobert. Jaxson Hayes, the only true center in the Lakers’ rotation, has struggled to provide consistent minutes or reliability. Claxton, on the other hand, brings a perfect blend of youth, agility, and defensive versatility, balancing the roster alongside Doncic and LeBron James.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers view Claxton as a “premium target” this offseason. With financial flexibility below the “first apron” (the soft salary cap), the Lakers could package contracts to facilitate a trade, with names like Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent mentioned as potential trade pieces. Additionally, the Lakers hold one first-round pick and up to four “pick swaps” to sweeten any deal.
A potential trade scenario proposed by Brett Siegel of Clutch Points involves the Lakers sending Rui Hachimura, along with assets like the 2028 and 2031 first-round picks, to acquire Claxton. Another three-team trade scenario suggests the Lakers could receive Claxton and additional draft picks, while the Nets might land Austin Reaves, a young guard with All-Star potential, along with other assets.
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
Nets Open to Trade Talks
The Brooklyn Nets, led by General Manager Sean Marks, are in the midst of a major rebuild. After trading Mikal Bridges, Dennis Schroder, and Dorian Finney-Smith to accumulate draft assets, the Nets appear to view no player as untouchable. Claxton, despite signing a contract extension last summer, could be moved if the Lakers present a compelling offer, such as draft picks or a young talent like Austin Reaves.
The Nets currently hold four first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, including the No. 8 pick, and could leverage Claxton to acquire more assets for their long-term plans. Some reports suggest the Nets might aim to build around young talents like Cam Thomas or even pursue a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Trading Claxton could provide the cap space and assets needed to chase bigger goals.
How Claxton Could Transform the Lakers
If the trade goes through, Claxton would bring significant changes to the Lakers. He would add depth to the frontcourt and form a formidable duo with Luka Doncic. Claxton’s ability to run the floor and catch alley-oops would thrive under Doncic’s playmaking, similar to his synergy with Dereck Lively II in Dallas. Additionally, Claxton’s defensive prowess would address the Lakers’ weaknesses in the paint, particularly against teams with dominant centers.
However, the trade is far from straightforward. The Nets will likely demand a steep price, and the Lakers may need to part with valuable assets like Austin Reaves or future draft picks. Some argue that trading Reaves, who has chemistry with Doncic and James, could be a risky move. Still, if the Lakers believe Claxton is the final piece to build a championship contender, they won’t hesitate to act.
Conclusion: A Summer Full of Fireworks
The prospect of Nic Claxton donning a Lakers jersey in the 2025-26 season has fans buzzing with excitement. With his youth, defensive versatility, and untapped offensive potential, Claxton could become the Lakers’ new “unstoppable beast,” helping the purple and gold reclaim their status as championship contenders. However, pulling off this trade will require bold decisions from the Lakers, while the Nets must weigh whether parting with Claxton aligns with their rebuilding plans.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the summer of 2025 will be filled with drama, and Nic Claxton is at the center of this trade storm. Stay tuned to see if the Lakers can turn their dream of landing an unstoppable big man into reality!
