When you have the chance to trade for a 5x All-Star averaging 28, 8, and 8 at just 26 years old, you do not give up the opportunity.
That is exactly what the Los Angeles Lakers did when they shipped away Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić midway through the season.
This, of course, meant that the Lakers would need to fill a hole in their center position. They had a rotation of Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jarred Vanderbilt, which obviously would not cut it if they were looking to win a championship.
However, things could change if they are able to acquire this center that they are reportedly linked to, according to Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm
That center would be Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets. Last season, Claxton averaged 10.3 ppg and 7.4 rpg on 56.% shooting in just 26.9 minutes per game.
He is a super athletic big man who provides high energy in short intervals, still allowing the Lakers to prioritize their mismatched lineups where centers have the ability to stretch the floor.
Claxton would be the ideal archetype to put next to guys like Dončić or Lebron James, players who thrive with the ball in their hands.
He is a great screensetter and roller, someone to pair with individuals with an IQ like Doncic or James.
He offers great rim protection and was even 9th in DPOY voting not too long ago. Claxton has reportedly been linked with the Lakers, and sliding him into their starting lineup would complete their team as they see fit.
