The Los Angeles Lakers were close to finalizing a trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams before the NBA’s February trade deadline, in an effort to bolster their frontcourt alongside Luka Doncic — but it ultimately fell apart, reportedly due to a failed physical or hesitation on the Lakers’ end.
There’s no doubt that the Lakers will be in the market this offseason for a big man — ideally a rim protector who also brings lob-finishing ability. Doncic thrives with lob threats, as evidenced by his dominant playoff run alongside Daniel Gafford amd Dereck Lively II in Dallas.
One name to watch: Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton.
Appearing on the “Brian Windhorst & the Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton brought up Claxton as one of the Lakers’ top-tier targets due to his contract — a four year, $97 million contract, set to expire after the 2027-28 season.
"Nic Claxton is on a rebuilding team and fits a lot of what you want ideally in that sort of five-man next to Luka," Pelton said. "The problem is the salary is still so big because he’s got a descending contract. He’s at $25.3 million next year. That’s much more difficult for [the Lakers] to fit in. [For Claxton] they’ve gotta trade three guys probably."
The Lakers possess one first-round pick and the rights to swap four more, but must compile enough salary to match — or at least come close to — Claxton’s $25.3 million salary for the 2025-26 season.
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Across his six-year NBA career, Claxton has averaged 10.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
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