Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Lakers Predicted to Go After Luka Doncic’s Former Teammate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 9, 2025 9:09 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers' 2025 playoff run ended abruptly with a 4-1 first-round defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite boasting two superstars in LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the team struggled throughout the series, particularly in the frontcourt.

The Timberwolves exploited the Lakers' lack of size, dominating the paint and exposing defensive vulnerabilities. Rudy Gobert's commanding presence was especially impactful in the series-deciding Game 5, where he finished with 27 points and 24 rebounds.

The departure of Anthony Davis in the Doncic trade left the Lakers without a dominant interior defender. A rescinded trade for Mark Williams further compounded the issue, leaving Jaxson Hayes as the team's sole traditional center.

This lack of depth was evident as the team struggled to contain Minnesota's paint presence. In response, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka hinted at some changes in the offseason, stating that a primary goal will be to add size at the center position (via ESPN's Dave McMenamin).

According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, the Lakers are considering Nic Claxton alongside Daniel Gafford, a former teammate of Doncic, as realistic center options. ESPN's Tim MacMahon also floated Gafford as a hypothetical Lakers target on The Hoop Collective podcast.

LAKERS OFFSEASON PREVIEW: Center trade options; Austin, LeBron Fit With Luka; JJ Questions (with @JovanBuha) https://t.co/xRvUadnbDS
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) May 9, 2025

Claxton, a 6'11" center for the Brooklyn Nets, is known for his defensive versatility and athleticism, while Gafford, standing at 6'10", played a crucial role alongside Doncic in Dallas, contributing to the Mavericks' success in reaching the NBA Finals last season

As the Lakers enter the offseason, addressing the void at the center position is paramount. With limited cap space and draft assets, strategic acquisitions like Claxton or Gafford could be key in reestablishing the team's competitiveness in the Western Conference next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: