At the 2024-25 trade deadline, the Lakers acquired All-NBA PG Luka Doncic from Dallas. The 26-year-old can destroy the team with a pick and roll if he has an effective lob threat at center.
We had Don Sic thriving in Dallas and set his big man to a dunk easily. But the Lakers didn’t have that type of player when they traded for him. The best they had was Jackson Hayes, and he was inconsistent. NBA insider Matt Moore reported that Los Angeles is interested in Nick Claxton in Brooklyn. The Net and Lakers have made several transactions in the past.
What about Nets Trade Center Nic Claxton?
The Lakers are linked to Per’s Nic Claxton @hpbasketball
“Several Lakers Outlets report on ‘theoretical’ transactions involving Nets Center Nic Claxton. That’s not a coincidence. Claxton offers an athletic veteran floor runner that can be placed next to Luka. pic.twitter.com/m2z74owrsa
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) June 3, 2025
On the 31st pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the net selected big man Nick Claxton from Georgia. He played six seasons for Brooklyn, with the last three as a starter. The 26-year-old is not a modern big name capable of shooting with the floor open. Rather, Claxton is a traditional big man who plays on the edge. From 2022-23, Claxton led the NBA in field goal percentage (.705). He is limited to offensively, but can thrive if given the right opportunity.
NBA insider Matt Moore noted that several Lakers outlets have reported on “theoretical” deals between the NIC Claxton net and the Lakers. Los Angeles needs an athletic big name that can play alongside Luka Donsic. Claxton fits the Los Angeles bill. He is a versatile defender who can switch over and has enough offensive skillset to make an impact. Putting him alongside a playmaking PG like Luka Doncic, Claxton was able to take his game to another level.
However, Nets re-signed Claxton last season to a four-year, $97 million deal. He is also the longest equipped player on the team. We’ll see if general manager Sean Marks is in contact with Los Angeles this offseason. The Net and Lakers have made several transactions in the past. In 2017, Brooklyn sent big man Brook Lopez to Los Angeles. Just the last season, the net traded Dorian Finney Smith. How happy will the Lakers trade with Nick Claxton?