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Report: Lakers are a possible landing spot for Nic Claxton
Report: Lakers are a possible landing spot for Nic Claxton
The Los Angeles Lakers have multiple roster needs they need to address if they are to become championship contenders, and one of them is their center rotation. Deandre Ayton, their starting center this center, played well at times but was seen as a disappointment, and his backup, Jaxson Hayes, is very limited, especially on the offensive end of the floor.
The team could have a few options as far as upgrading at the 5 this offseason. According to NBA reporter Jake Weinbach, Los Angeles is a possible landing spot for Nic Claxton, a defensive-minded center who is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets.
"Nic Claxton is another starting-level center that will likely be discussed in trade talks as the Nets evaluate the roster this summer," Weinbach wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
"The Lakers, Clippers, and Hornets are teams worth noting as possible landing spots for the 27-year-old big man."
Claxton has been linked to the Lakers in the past. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 blocks in 27.8 minutes a game this season, and while he doesn't have a perimeter jumper in his bag, at 6-foot-11, he seems to fit the prototype of the rim-protecting, rim-running center L.A. needs.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe has two years left on his contract and will make $23.15 million next season. He was originally a second-round draft pick in 2019, and just three years ago, he got some votes in the balloting for the Defensive Player of the Year award. His rebounding and shot-blocking production have fallen off a bit in the last couple of years, but he remains strong in both categories, and he has converted well over 100 dunks in each of the last four seasons.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Report: Lakers are a possible landing spot for Nic Claxton