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Lakers Eyeing Nets' Claxton for Trade Block
23 Jan
Summary
- Lakers target Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton.
- Claxton has a four-year, $97 million contract.
- Los Angeles faces financial limitations for the deal.
The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring trade options, with Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton emerging as a primary target. Claxton is currently enjoying a statistically impressive season, averaging 12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. His efficiency is notable, shooting 58.3 percent from the field over 40 games.
Acquiring Claxton presents financial challenges for the Lakers. They have minimal cap space remaining, sitting under $1 million before exceeding the NBA's first apron. This necessitates further roster adjustments to absorb Claxton's four-year, $97 million contract, which extends through the 2027-28 season.
If a trade were to materialize, Claxton would likely form a center duo with Deandre Ayton, potentially shifting Jaxson Hayes' role. Trade packages might involve players such as Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent, possibly combined with Dalton Knecht. Los Angeles may also need to consider trading away valuable future first-round draft picks to facilitate the deal.
