Lakers Eye $97M Center to Form Luka Doncic Duo
The trade deal between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams fell through due to a failed physical, meaning Luka Doncic won’t have a lob threat during his first season in Los Angeles.
However, there’s no doubt the Lakers’ front office will soon bring Doncic the top player from his teammate wish list.
According to league regulations and deadlines, this move can’t take place until June 30, when NBA free agency begins and teams can again execute trades. At that time, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton will be one of the primary targets as the Lakers search for a big man.
“Two names continue to be mentioned in league circles as potential Lakers center trade targets this summer: Myles Turner and Nic Claxton,” wrote Evan Sidery of Forbes on Sunday, Feb. 9. “Turner can be acquired via sign-and-trade if they overwhelm the Pacers with an offer. The Nets have been open to moving Claxton for months.”
Turner also makes sense, though he could be harder to acquire because he’s a free agent this summer. The Lakers will likely struggle to sign him outright due to limited salary cap space and the restrictive new cap rules from the most recent collective bargaining agreement.
This means Indiana would hold a significant amount of power in any sign-and-trade scenario, and Los Angeles has to consider both the present and future with Doncic, making it a greater mistake to give up unnecessary assets this summer than usual.
Claxton, on the other hand, is signed to a $97 million contract with a team planning a full rebuild beyond this season. The Nets are undergoing a major teardown, as seen with their trade of Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers earlier this year.
At 25 years old, Claxton is four years younger than Turner. Over his six-year NBA career, he’s averaged 10.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, and is heading into his prime in the next few years of his contract.
Claxton offers defensive capabilities the Lakers desperately need with Anthony Davis out and can also provide a lob threat for Doncic. Additionally, his $21 million expiring contract in 2027-28 would give Los Angeles roster flexibility right after what the team hopes will be a long-term extension for Doncic.
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