Los Angeles Lakers Insider: Breaking News, Player Interviews & Highlights

Tag: NBA free agency 2025

  • Will Nic Claxton Leave the Nets for the Lakers?

    Will Nic Claxton Leave the Nets for the Lakers?

    As free agency approaches, whispers about Nic Claxton’s future with the Brooklyn Nets are getting louder. The 24-year-old defensive anchor has become a trade target and the Los Angeles Lakers are a serious suitor.

    Claxton finished a strong season where he solidified his role as a starting big man—10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists per game. His blocks dipped to 1.4 per game this past season from 2.1 in previous years, but his defensive IQ, mobility and rim protection are still top 5 in the league. Teams chasing a championship see him as more than just a shot blocker—he’s a versatile defender who can switch across multiple positions and anchor elite units.

    So it’s no surprise the Lakers are looking at him.

    Why the Lakers Are Interested?

    The Lakers have always had a star-studded roster but lately they’ve struggled to build depth around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With Davis’ injury history, L.A. needs insurance—and maybe an upgrade—in the frontcourt.

    Enter Nic Claxton.

    His athleticism, timing and defensive versatility would fit seamlessly into the Lakers system. More importantly, pairing Claxton with a playmaker like D’Angelo Russell or even LeBron himself would open up the floor and give the Lakers a two-way center.

    Luka Dončić isn’t on the Lakers (that was a mistake), but sources say the team is looking to build a faster, more physical defense—one that Claxton fits into. They could offer draft picks or young players like Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent to get Brooklyn to trade him.

    Brooklyn’s Crossroads

    For the Nets, trading Claxton wouldn’t be easy. He’s not only a key contributor but a beloved locker room presence. But financial constraints and a changing of the guard may force their hand.

    Claxton will make $26 million next season if he opts in, and Brooklyn has the space to keep him but might want to trade for younger players or assets. If they can get a 1st round pick or a young player in return, trading Claxton makes sense from a rebuild perspective.

    What This Means for Claxton’s Career?

    If Claxton ends up in L.A., it’ll be a big moment in his career. No longer just a backup with flashes of brilliance, he’ll be in the spotlight where expectations are high.

    Playing in L.A. means constant media attention, pressure packed games, and the chance to win titles immediately. For a player like Claxton, who thrives in high intensity moments, it could be the perfect stage to solidify himself as one of the top centers in the NBA.

    Final Thoughts: Is a Trade Imminent?

    Nothing is official yet, but the pieces are falling into place for a big trade. The Lakers need what Claxton offers, and the Nets are listening to offers. Both sides have something to gain, so a deal seems more likely by the day.

    As we get into the heart of free agency, we’ll see how this plays out. Whether Claxton stays in Brooklyn or goes to L.A. will impact both teams and possibly the entire Western Conference.

  • Shaq Warns Giannis: ‘50% Taxes, More Pressure’ – Don’t Go to the Lakers

    Shaq Warns Giannis: ‘50% Taxes, More Pressure’ – Don’t Go to the Lakers

    Giannis Antetokounmpo made headlines back in February when he expressed his thoughts on top European talent choosing big-market teams. After the Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Giannis said he wanted to see more international stars opt for major franchises like the Knicks or Lakers.

    In the same conversation, he even mentioned wanting to see Nikola Jokic play in New York. But now, with rumors swirling that Giannis might be on his way out of Milwaukee, Shaquille O’Neal has stepped in — and he’s got some strong words for the Greek Freak.

    What did Shaquille O’Neal say to Giannis Antetokounmpo?

    During a recent appearance on the Good Word With Goodwill podcast, Shaq was asked directly what advice he would give to Giannis if the Bucks star was considering a move to a big market like Los Angeles.

    “Nobody cares what city you are in anymore. This ain’t the 90s. … Bigger market doesn’t matter. Social media is the market now,” O’Neal said.

    But that wasn’t all. He went on to warn Giannis about the real-world implications of moving to LA:

    “You go to LA, that’s 50% of your contract goes to taxes, more pressure, more articles and more stress.”

    O’Neal also shared from personal experience, recalling how he moved from Orlando to Los Angeles during his NBA career. At the time, the Magic didn’t want to pay him what the Lakers were offering, so he took the deal with the team owned by Jerry Buss.

    “It was a financial decision, but it came with a price,” O’Neal admitted. “You get more money, but you also get more expectations.”

    Why Big Markets May Not Be Best for Giannis?

    According to Shaq, being on a max contract already puts Giannis in a powerful position, and chasing bigger markets may not be the smartest move.

    “Let the opportunities come to you instead of chasing them,” he advised. “You don’t need to be in LA or New York to be successful.”

    Shaq’s message is clear: while big cities offer fame and fortune, they also bring financial burdens, media scrutiny, and intense pressure, especially for someone who’s already at the top of their game.

    Giannis Wants a Tax-Free State

    Interestingly, reports suggest that Giannis is eyeing a move to a state with no income tax.

    According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Giannis is not closing the door on a potential trade after another early exit in the playoffs. And if the rumors are true, Texas could be on his radar.

    Sam Amico of Hoops Wire reported:

    “Houston and San Antonio are in Texas, where there are no state income taxes. Antetokounmpo is intrigued by that idea.”

    The Houston Rockets, currently sitting on the No. 14 pick and featuring rising star Alperen Sengun, have reportedly considered packaging assets to land Giannis. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama and two high draft picks (No. 2 and No. 14), could also be in the mix.

    If Giannis wants to keep more of his money and avoid the pressures of a high-profile market, Texas looks like an appealing option.

    The Final Verdict

    While Giannis is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league, his future is anything but certain right now. Whether he chooses to stay in Milwaukee, chase a new challenge in Texas, or risk everything in LA, one thing is clear — Shaq knows what he’s talking about.

    And if the Greek Freak listens, maybe he’ll realize that sometimes, staying away from the spotlight can mean staying at the top.