Lakers Insider Reveals Plan of Attack at Center

With the NBA offseason nearly in full swing, the Lakers have several avenues to address positions of need. The biggest—literally and figuratively—is the five spot, where the talk of Tinseltown is which centers the Lakers are targeting and if help could come from trades or free agency.

According to ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin, the answer is both. The senior Lakers insider confirmed the team is hoping to “trade for their starting center” while signing a backup to the taxpayer mid-level exception. He also mentioned several targets LA is reportedly considering—they all fit the criteria for Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick and have been connected to the Lakers for quite some time.

Lakers Insider Reveals Plan of Attack at Center

Trade Targets

Walker Kessler

Utah’s breakout starter Walker Kessler could find himself on the trade block under new leadership, with new president Austin Ainge expected to move on from key players. The Lakers—who attempted to trade for Kessler in January—are still intrigued by the 23-year-old big man, who averaged 11 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks per game this year. An athletic 7-footer and a double-double machine, Kessler is arguably the best option for the purple and gold—that is, if Utah is willing to come to the table again.

Nic Claxton

Stuck on a Brooklyn Nets team running an express train to purgatory, Nic Claxton is another relatively popular name in Lakers Nation, most likely for his prowess as an effective two-way big. The ex-Georgia Bulldog is coming off a productive campaign: 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks. However, he also has three years and nearly $70 million left on his current contract. With the Nets not going anywhere anytime soon and the Lakers looking toward the future, the 26-year-old Claxton can be a promising piece next to Luka Doncic.