Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) dunks for the basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
While the Los Angeles Lakers could target guards and wings this summer to pair with Luka Doncic and LeBron James, it would be more realistic to witness the organization aggressively pursue high-upside big men.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley believes the franchise may acquire a future Brooklyn Nets superstar in a blockbuster free agency trade.
“A defense with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and a 40-year-old LeBron James on the perimeter is crying out for paint protection. An offense with those three creators, meanwhile, can maximize a close-range finisher.”
“(Nic) Claxton, a career 63.5 percent shooter who’s about to crack the top 10 in blocks in per game for the third time in six seasons, checks both boxes with ease.”
Buckley’s trade proposal would send Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, a future first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap to the Nets for Claxton.
Claxton was among the Lakers’ various frontcourt targets during the trade season. With Los Angeles failing to land Williams due to a failed physical, it’s reasonable to assume the franchise will conduct another thorough search for a big man in free agency.
Claxton hasn’t experienced a breakout season yet. Still, he possesses the physical tools, defensive versatility, dependable instincts around the rim, and motor necessary to develop into a low-post phenomenon.
The Georgia product averages 10.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game this season, shooting 55.7% from the field on a rebuilding Nets squad.
With the Lakers being unafraid to include Knecht, an immediate impact rookie, in a trade package for a skilled big man, Buckley’s trade idea could soon materialize.