The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most talked-about teams in the NBA this week, amid the draft excitement. Well, the Lakers are always one of the most popular teams in the NBA, so it’s not unfamiliar territory, but the buzz on this team has been absolutely huge this week.
After a disappointing 2024-25 season, it became clear that the team needs to regroup under coach JJ Redick. One position that the Lakers need to solidify is center, and right now, most of the trade discussion out there is about the team trying to fill that need.
It would be wise for the Los Angeles Lakers to secure a reliable center sooner rather than later, because the options are getting slimmer by the day. Trades are happening on a regular basis now that the season has wrapped up, and some of the most coveted centers are already spoken for, so time is of the essence.
Now, one NBA insider is sharing some news about the Lakers’ search for a center that may not set well with the team’s following.
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers Prospect Isn’t a ‘Shoo-In’
One of the most talked-about centers in league may not be a fit for the Lakers. That’s the vibe from Dan Woike of The Athletic, who published a piece on Tuesday, June 24, about the “burning questions” that people have about the team.
GettyThe Los Angeles Lakers in action.
Nic Claxton of the Nets has been discussed a lot as far as being a trade target that makes sense for the Lakers. He’s one of the most coveted centers in the association, and plenty of teams have interest in him. He would probably like to jump ship to a successful team, too.
But, Woike says the Lakers, surprisingly, are not too hot on Claxton. “Claxton isn’t thought of as a shoo-in as the answer at the position, and if he costs you your best trade package, is it a gamble worth doing?” he asks.
Sure, it’s true that Claxton didn’t have the greatest season, and trading big for him would be a gamble. But, at this point, it’s a gamble to not do anything or take too long trying to find a decent center for this team.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Center Issue
Woike adds that “the talk at the start of the Lakers’ offseason was that Dallas’ Daniel Gafford and Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton were the two players who made the most sense. There just remains so much leaguewide skepticism that the Mavericks could optically make another trade with the Lakers after the open revolt of the fan base following the Dončić deal.”
One guy who isn’t too happy about the Lakers supposedly not being into Claxton is Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, who states in a Wednesday, June 25 piece, “Claxton, who only turned 26 in April, checks virtually all of the necessary-skills boxes for the next Lakers’ big man. And he presumably shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, since he’s an awkward timeline fit with the rebuilding Nets. Unless the trade price is unreasonable, L.A. needs to rethink this.”
The Lakers would be wise to jump on what’s available now, because if they wait too long, it’s going to be too late.
