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Despite having the best regular season in the last five years, the LA Lakers' campaign ended on a disappointing note. They could not cross the hurdle posed by the Minnesota Timberwolves and hence crashed out in five games of the round 1 playoff series. While they have a formidable squad, there are frailties that are quite visible in the team, which turned out to be the cause behind their eventual elimination. It goes without saying that the Lakers need a Center, who can contribute both offensively and defensively. As it is a widely addressed subject, the Lakers' front office may take the necessary steps ahead of the start of the new season to build a squad that can compete for the championship.
Lakers Can Add Nic Claxton to the Squad
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points proposed a three-team trade sending Rui Hachimura from the Lakers to another team, while the Lakers acquire veteran center Nic Claxton.
The Detroit Pistons would receive Rui Hachimura from the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, the Brooklyn Nets would get Maxi Kleber, Simone Fontecchio, Paul Reed (via sign-and-trade), and several draft picks, including a 2028 first-round pick (with specific favorability conditions), a top-5 protected 2031 first-round pick from the Lakers, a 2027 second-round pick from Milwaukee (via Detroit), and the least favorable of Brooklyn or Dallas' 2027 second-round picks (via Detroit).
"Out of all the needs the Lakers have entering the offseason, finding a sustainable, long-term option at the center position is vital. Nic Claxton was on Los Angeles' list of potential trade targets this season, and it is expected that they will once again inquire about the 26-year-old's availability with the Brooklyn Nets.
"While all of their attention is on the 2025 NBA Draft, the Nets are going to be open for business and willing to hear all proposals and offers coming their way. Sean Marks has done a nice job of assembling future draft picks, and the Nets are looming as a team to potentially pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo. As a result, trading a player like Claxton for more future assets makes some sense."
In this trade scenario, Rui Hachimura goes to the Detroit Pistons, while the Brooklyn Nets acquire multiple assets, including Maxi Kleber and future first-round picks from the Lakers, with conditions on the 2028 pick's favorability.
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