The Lakers desperately need a center, so should they consider an Austin Reaves for Nic Claxton trade this offseason?

The Los Angeles Lakers trade for Luka Doncic was one of the biggest fleeces in NBA history, and that remains the case even after the team lost in the first round of the playoffs.

But now they need to make a move involving Austin Reaves.

The Lakers and Dallas Mavericks shocked the world when Doncic was moved to Los Angeles for only Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and one first-round pick.

At the time, Doncic was 25 years old and clearly one of the best players in the NBA, while Davis, while still talented, was years deep into struggling with injury issues.

The trade was predictably disastrous for the Mavericks, as injury problems continued to plague Davis, which led to the Mavericks missing the playoffs altogether.

The Lakers weren’t quite as dominant as expected with Doncic and LeBron James on the roster, though, and that is largely because Doncic’s skillset is a little redundant with Reaves on the roster.

More so, though, the team’s lack of depth at the center position haunted them and ultimately prevented the team from winning their first-round matchup. The Doncic trade was more of a long-term play, but the Lakers should still want to maximize James’ time alongside the Slovenian before the former No. 1 pick retires.

While Reaves developed into a great player and one of the best third options in the NBA this past season, he might not be the best fit for the next couple of years. Therefore, trading him for a big man could make sense. A trade with the Brooklyn Nets for Nic Claxton is something that the Lakers should pursue.

Lakers-Nets trade proposal involving Austin Reaves

Lakers receive: Nic Claxton, Cam Johnson

Nets receive: Austin Reaves, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 first-round pick

Trading Reaves would be no easy decision for the Lakers because the former undrafted guard took huge strides in his development this past season.

Reaves averaged 20.2 points per game in his fourth year in the league, and he was even better than that in the games that Doncic and/or James didn’t play in.

Reaves has a silky smooth handle, a craftiness about getting to the rim, a reliable jump shot, and advanced playmaking skills. Those attributes give him immense potential on the offensive end.

However, everything that he can do, Doncic can do a little bit better.

Additionally, both players struggle on the defensive end. Between Doncic and James, there is plenty of offensive creation to go around in Los Angeles, but the Lakers need more size and defense.

Claxton would immediately fill LA’s biggest hole. The team tried to trade for a center ahead of the NBA trade deadline, but the NBA canceled the trade for Mark Williams after the Charlotte Hornets center failed his physical.

The Lakers had no centers on the roster who were clear-cut rotation-caliber players. Jaxson Hayes was their primary five-man, but the Lakers even benched him in Game 5 of the their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Claxton is a play-finisher who can get put-back rebounds and catch alley-oop passes. He is also a solid rebounder and an impressive shot blocker. His rim protection prowess has put him in Defensive Player of the Year conversations before.

Cam Johnson would bring in even more defense. Johnson fits the mold of a 3-and-D player who could thrive on the court with playmakers like James and Doncic.

Could trading for Austin Reaves elevate the Nets?

A rebuilding team like the Nets could be interested in handing Reaves the keys to their franchise. The Nets have a ton of draft capital that sets them up well for the future, but they’ve also shown interest in bringing in a legitimate star, evidenced by their interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Claxton and Johnson are solid players, but their ceilings aren’t nearly as high as Reaves’ ceiling is. As the lead option, the Nets could envision Reaves approaching 25-plus points per game and becoming a bona fide All-Star. The Nets would also get some other solid pieces back in this trade.

Dalton Knecht, who was the other half of that failed trade for Williams, had a solid rookie season. Impressing in year one is no easy feat, and his 3-point shooting would translate to any team. Jarred Vanderbilt is also a solid hustle player who can give effort on defense while also thriving on the offensive glass.

The Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick also holds significant value because James will be in retirement by then, so the Lakers’ pick could end up in the NBA Draft lottery.

Because Claxton and Johnson have so frequently been part of trade rumors, their time with the Nets could be at an end soon. Brooklyn should be happy to add a player like Reaves who has legitimate All-Star potential.