![\"Brooklyn](\"https:\/\/wp.clutchpoints.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_1504.jpeg?w=1200\")
<\/p>\nThe Lakers will most likely look at trade targets this offseason to improve the roster amid an early playoff exit.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
After securing a top three seed in the Western Conference, there was strong belief that the\u00a0Los Angeles Lakers\u00a0could make a deep playoff run.<\/p>\n
However, those beliefs were quickly dashed as the Lakers were thoroughly outplayed by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs.<\/p>\n
With the offseason now on the horizon, the Lakers will likely turn to trade targets to try and improve the roster.<\/p>\n
During a postgame media availability session, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka made it clear the roster needs the team has going into the offseason.<\/p>\n
The big item of business the Lakers first need to clear up is LeBron James\u2019 contract situation.<\/p>\n
Following the Lakers\u2019 playoff exit, James was non-committal in terms of what his career plans are after this season.<\/p>\n
But assuming James does end up re-signing, that would leave the Lakers with little free agent options available.<\/p>\n
There are a few relatively inexpensive options the Lakers could realistically acquire on the free agent market, but trade targets are likely going to be their major source of roster improvement.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at some of the the early options the Lakers might target in offseason trades.<\/p>\n
Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton is a name that\u2019s been linked to the Lakers since this past season’s trade deadline, and it stands to reason that he might be available this offseason.<\/p>\n
The Nets are currently in a rebuild, and one of the reasons why they failed to secure a high draft pick was due to not unloading enough of their higher-priced veterans.<\/p>\n
Claxton is coming off the first of a four-year contract he signed with the Nets last offseason.<\/p>\n
He was reportedly available at the deadline, and there\u2019s not much reason to suggest that, that wouldn\u2019t still be the case in the offseason. Claxton\u2019s rim-running and defense are exactly what the Lakers need.<\/p>\n
This past season, Claxton appeared in 70 games at a little over 26 minutes per game. He averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocked shots.<\/p>\n
He shot 56.3 percent from the field. Claxton would come in and slot right away as the Lakers\u2019 starting center.<\/p>\n
In terms of what it might take to trade for him, the Lakers probably would have to put together a package of expiring contracts such as Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura and\/or Maxi Kleber, and then also including one of their future first round picks.<\/p>\n
![\"Brooklyn](\"https:\/\/wp.clutchpoints.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_1505.jpeg\")
While the Lakers\u2019 most pressing need is obviously a starting caliber center, that\u2019s not their only area of weakness. Another wing player with size who is consistent on both ends of the court is another roster need for the Lakers this offseason.<\/p>\n
Cam Johnson, another Net, is a name that popped up during the trade deadline. The Nets ultimately held on to him, but he would conceivably be available again.<\/p>\n
The Lakers probably don\u2019t have the assets or salary to make this a potential blockbuster involving both Claxton and Johnson. So it\u2019s an either\/or proposal.<\/p>\n
The Lakers could potentially swing a deal for another starting caliber center from a different team. So for all intents and purposes we\u2019ll assume this potential deal is Johnson only with Claxton off the table.<\/p>\n
Johnson would provide the Lakers with great size on the wing, consistent three-point shooting and tough defense on the perimeter. This past year was a breakout for him, averaging a career-best 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 39 percent from the three-point line.<\/p>\n
A potential Johnson package would probably be similar to Claxton in that it would take a combination of the Lakers\u2019 expiring contracts along with picks, one of which would need to be a future first round pick.<\/p>\n
![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/wp.clutchpoints.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_1503.jpeg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWalker Kessler is a name that\u2019s been seemingly linked to the Lakers going back to last offseason. But there hasn\u2019t been any real indication that the Utah Jazz are inclined to trade him.<\/p>\n
Kessler is still young and developing and could essentially be a big part of the Jazz future.<\/p>\n
Kessler\u2019s skills would fit right in with the Lakers lineup. He\u2019s a lob threat, something that\u2019s a necessity playing alongside Luka Doncic.<\/p>\n
This past season, he appeared in 58 games at just about 30 minutes per game. He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.4 blocked shots while shooting 66.3 percent from the field.<\/p>\n
Kessler would be one of the absolute best options on the trade market if he is indeed available. But that might not be the case.<\/p>\n
As mentioned, there\u2019s no indication the Jazz actually want to trade Kessler, let alone to the Lakers, and if they ever moved him it would take a\u00a0phenomenally good offer, as per Tony Jones of The Athletic.<\/p>\n
But in the spirit of speculation, a potential package would likely need to include multiple first round picks as well as perhaps parting with Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, or both. In other words, more than just expiring contracts.<\/p>\n
![\"Portland](\"https:\/\/wp.clutchpoints.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_1502.jpeg\")
One potential trade target for the Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers big man Robert Williams III, is a little more under the radar but for good reason.<\/p>\n
Williams hasn\u2019t exactly been the model for durability the past couple of seasons. Knee issues have limited him to a total of 61 games across the last three seasons. The last game he played this season was back in February.<\/p>\n
But if, and that\u2019s a big if, he\u2019s healthy, he can be a phenomenal pickup for the Lakers. What it ultimately comes down to is how much risk they\u2019re really to take.<\/p>\n
And after seeing what happened with the rescinded Mark Williams trade, it\u2019s hard to envision the Lakers going through with a similar situation. Especially considering Williams is the better player.<\/p>\n
Williams\u2019 last relatively healthy season was in 2021-22 when he suited up in 61 games for the Boston Celtics. He averaged 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocked shots while being named to the All-Defensive Second Team. That\u2019s the player the Lakers would need to be getting in a trade.<\/p>\n
Because of his injury history, it\u2019s not likely that would take a massive offer to acquire him, should the Blazers look to move him.<\/p>\n
Perhaps expiring contracts and at least a first round pick.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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