NBA Rumors: Insider Reveals Lakers' Most Realistic Center Target

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to prioritize adding a center this offseason, but two potential options may already be off the table. 

According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers could shift their focus to Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton as other targets prove difficult to acquire.

During a recent episode of Buha’s Block, Buha highlighted Claxton as the most realistic and appealing option for Los Angeles.

Why Claxton Fits the Lakers’ Needs

• Versatile Defender: Claxton excels in switching onto perimeter players while also protecting the rim.
• Strong Pick-and-Roll Partner: His athleticism and efficiency (56.3% FG on 8.1 attempts per game) make him an ideal fit alongside a playmaker like Luka Dončić.
• Underrated Post Defense: Despite his lean frame, he holds his own against bigger opponents. 

However, acquiring Claxton won’t be easy. He’s in the second year of a four-year, $97 million deal and is set to earn 25.3 million next season. The Lakers would need to assemble a competitive trade package, potentially including:

• Lakers Receive: Nic Claxton
• Nets Receive: Maxi Kleber, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and a 2028 first-round pick

While this trade would bolster the Lakers’ frontcourt, losing Vanderbilt could weaken their perimeter defense.

Other Centers Off the Table

Buha mentioned Dallas Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford as another strong fit, but given the strained relationship between the two franchises since the Dončić trade, a deal seems unlikely.

He also dismissed several other rumored targets:

• Brook Lopez (37 years old) – Declining defensively and was exploited in the playoffs.
• Clint Capela, Myles Turner, Naz Reid – Likely too expensive without major cap maneuvering.
• Walker Kessler, Jalen Duren – Lakers lack the assets to acquire them.

Potential Backup Options

Buha suggested veterans like Steven Adams or Al Horford as possible backup centers, though neither would be a long-term starter.

With the center market becoming increasingly competitive, the Lakers may need to act decisively—and Claxton appears to be their best realistic option.

Image - Vincent Carchietta-Imagn