Finding a high-level rim-runner to pair with Luka Doncic is likely a top priority for Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers front office staff. The superstar forward is known to do his best work when sharing the floor with a lob threat.
As such, the Lakers will likely explore every option available.
The key aim is to construct a winning roster around Doncic. According to Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints, Nic Claxton could be the ideal rim-runner for what could be a re-tooled Lakers roster. Siegel proposed a three-team deal to bring the explosive big man to Los Angeles.
The proposed trade looks like this:
Lakers Get: Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Get: Maxi Kleber, Simone Fontecchio, Paul Reed (via sign-and-trade), Most favorable second-round pick from Lakers/Pistons/Nets, Lakers’ 2031 1st-round pick (Top-5 Protected), Bucks’ 2027 2nd-round pick (via DET), BKN/DAL 2027 2nd-round pick (via DET, Least favorable of BKN/DAL)
Detroit Pistons Get: Rui Hachimura
“Nic Claxton was on Los Angeles’ list of potential trade targets this season. It is expected that they will once again inquire about the 26-year-old’s availability with the Brooklyn Nets,” Siegel reasoned. “Many have questioned Claxton’s long-term future in Brooklyn due to his minutes decreasing this season. Noah Clowney saw more minutes in the frontcourt this season.
The Nets have four first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. At some point, the Nets will add even more depth to their frontcourt, making Claxton more expendable.”
Claxton will have three more years left on his four-year $97 million contract. Having a cost-controlled asset who could unlock Doncic will likely be highly enticing for Pelinka. In 70 games this season, Claxton averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists, shooting 56.3% from the field.
Claxton Could be a Solid Fit For Lakers
Claxton is the type of above-the-rim threat that could thrive next to Doncic. His ability to provide vertical spacing, both in transition and when operating as a screener in the pick-and-roll, will ensure Doncic has an ideal target man on lob passes.
Furthermore, Claxton is a high-level rim protector, either as a drop defender or a weakside roamer who rotates over to swat shots out of nowhere.
There aren’t many better rim-runners in the NBA than Claxton. Especially at his age and with his explosivness. As such, Pelinka could potentially look to test the waters in potential trade discussions during the offseason.
Lakers Still in Limbo With LeBron James’ Future
In what has now become normal, the Lakers head into the summer sweating on LeBron James‘ future. The 40-year-old superstar has a player option worth $52.6 million. James could opt into that deal, opt out and hit free agency, or choose to retire.
During a recent episode of his “Mind The Game” podcast, James admitted that he is yet to make a decision on his future.
“Taking some vacation time with the family, some of the times that you lose when you’re in the eight, nine-month [NBA] season and see what this next journey looks like,” James told Nash. “I haven’t had the conversation with the family yet as far as me going forward or whatever the case may be. But we’ll see what happens.”
James’ decision will likely have an impact on the Lakers’ moves this summer. While Pelinka is clearly focused on building around Doncic, he must ensure James fits within the new system if he chooses to stay for another season. After all, James is still a top-10 or top-15 player in the world. And you definitely don’t cast that sort of talent aside, regardless of age.
