Los Angeles Lakers Reportedly Linked to Nic Claxton

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly linked to Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton. Claxton, 26, finished the 2024-25 season averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, while shooting 56.3% from the field goal line, 23.8% from the three-point line, and 51.3% from the free throw line. Read on for further details.

Los Angeles Lakers Linked to Nic Claxton

NBACentral’s new post on X, formerly Twitter, read, “The Lakers have been linked to Nic Claxton, per @HPbasketball.” 

“Multiple Lakers outlets have reported on ‘theoretical’ trades involving Nets center Nic Claxton, and that’s not a coincidence. Claxton provides an athletic veteran floor runner who can switch to put next to Luka, the Nets and Lakers have done deals before, multiple times, and Claxton is likely ready to be on a contending team.”

Lakers’ Link to Claxton

The Los Angeles Lakers’ reported link to Claxton can benefit the team in the short and long run. Claxton is under contract for the next three seasons, but might be closer to joining the Lakers than some think.

Some teams are showing interest in Claxton. However, the Brooklyn Nets are reportedly hoping that Claxton will remain in Brooklyn as the team navigates its latest rebuild. We’ll see what happens, as Claxton would be a nice rim-running upgrade for any team, including the Lakers.

Final Thoughts

According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, Claxton and the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked given Los Angeles’ need for a center upgrade after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic.

The Lakers are happy that they have a player like Doncic, now 26, who’s entering his prime as a superstar, but the 2025 playoffs showed that they can’t win without a solid big man.

The Lakers aren’t looking to part ways with Austin Reaves, but might change their minds. If the Lakers get a top-tier center in return, they might part ways with Reaves, 27, in the near future. It depends how teams like the Lakers see players like Claxton and their overall values.