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

Tag: NBA offseason moves

  • 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.

  • Lakers Expected to Pursue Major Star Center in Free Agency

    Lakers Expected to Pursue Major Star Center in Free Agency

    The Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves was a harsh reminder of their glaring weakness: the lack of a reliable starting center. Head coach J.J. Redick’s decision to start Jaxon Hayes and quickly shift to small-ball tactics backfired, as Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves exploited the Lakers’ size disadvantage.

    While the Lakers made an attempt to address this issue at the trade deadline by pursuing Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, the deal fell through after Williams failed his physical. Now, with the offseason officially underway, the Lakers are expected to explore all available options to solidify their center position.

    Why Jakob Poeltl Makes Sense for the Lakers?

    One name that’s been mentioned as a potential target for the Lakers is Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl. He’s set to make $19.5 million in the 2025-26 season and has a player option for the following year. According to HoopsHype, if the Raptors don’t extend Poeltl, he could be a trade candidate.

    The Raptors getting the 9th pick in the upcoming draft adds another layer to this possibility. If they draft a young big like Derik Queen to replace Poeltl long term, it increases the chances they move him—this offseason or at the trade deadline.

    For the Lakers, acquiring Poeltl would be a realistic and impactful move. While trades for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo have been floated, getting a reliable role player like Poeltl fits better with the team’s current roster and salary cap situation.

    What Jakob Poeltl Brings to the Table?

    Poeltl is the kind of player the Lakers need to add to the frontcourt. 7’1”, he’s a rebounder, rim protector, and finisher of lobs around the basket. He’d be perfect for Luka and LeBron to alley-oop and create space in the paint.

    But Poeltl isn’t a floor spacer—he only took 5 threes last season—but the Lakers can still go small ball when needed. He’d allow them to switch between traditional big man lineups and modern 5 out lineups depending on the matchup.

    The Cost of Acquiring Poeltl

    Unlike the Mark Williams deal, trading for Poeltl might require the Lakers to give up more assets. As an NBA veteran with consistent production, Poeltl has value. But the Lakers must be careful not to overpay or sacrifice Austin Reaves.

    If the Lakers can structure a deal that works for both teams without gutting their core rotation, getting Poeltl should be a no brainer. He can anchor the defense and provide stability in the paint, and that would go a long way in fixing their biggest roster hole.

    A Busy Offseason Ahead for the Lakers

    The Lakers’ offseason priorities are clear: find a solution at center and build a championship supporting cast around Doncic and James. Getting Poeltl would check that box and set the tone for other moves like re-signing role players or targeting shooters in free agency.

    Fans may dream of big blockbuster trades, but sometimes the most effective upgrades come from adding reliable role players. For the Lakers, filling the center hole is the foundation of their offseason, and Poeltl is one of the best options available.

    Addressing the Center Position

    The Lakers’ inability to counter Minnesota’s size in the playoffs showed how important it is to address the center position. Jakob Poeltl is the perfect blend of experience, skill, and fit to help the Lakers next season.

    As the front office navigates free agency and trade talks, they will prioritize finding a stabilizing force in the middle. If they do, the rest of their offseason will only make them more likely to make another deep playoff run.