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The season showcased two different sides of the LA Lakers. There was one that looked invincible, courtesy of Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and there was also one which was full of frailties. Standing on the verge of elimination against the Minnesota Timberwolves in round 1 of the playoffs, one thing is clear the Lakers are nowhere close to perfect. It goes without saying that they need a Center or a forward to solve the defensive problems as well as provide support to Luka and LeBron. Since it is there on display in almost every alternate game, the front office could end the misery by acting as per the need.
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LA Lakers Can Target Nets' Star Center
It is apparent that a new signing is in the offing for Los Angeles Lakers, but who could be is the real question. The situation has given rise to many assertions and rumors. Subsequently, one that is making rounds is that the Lakers can bring on board Brooklyn Nets' star Nic Claxton.
A proposed trade, according to Ivan White of Sporting News, involving the Brooklyn Nets’ star Nic Claxton could be the solution for the Lakers.
Nic Claxton's addition to the Los Angeles Lakers would bring significant benefits, including elite rim protection, a valuable lob threat to complement Luka Doncic, and versatile defensive skills that enable effective switching. This would bolster the Lakers' defense and create new scoring opportunities.
As Ivan White notes in the original article: "Claxton wouldn’t suddenly make the Lakers a perfect team, but he could make them a much more complete squad and even a title favourite in 2026."
A proposed trade would send Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030. This deal could potentially strengthen the Lakers' frontcourt with Claxton's defensive skills and versatility.
What Nic Claxton Brings to the Table?
The potential trade for Nic Claxton could significantly curb their biggest weakness: interior defence. Pairing Claxton with Luka Dončić and LeBron James would enhance pick-and-roll execution and provide more balanced playoff rotations. However, the Lakers' front office must weigh the cost of future draft capital against their immediate title aspirations, making this a crucial decision in their pursuit of a championship.
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