The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025 playoff run came to a disappointing end, eliminated in just five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves. From the opening tip of the series, it was apparent that L.A. lacked the physical tools—and the depth—to keep pace. The Timberwolves dominated the paint, with Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle overwhelming the Lakers’ undersized frontcourt.
The glaring issue? A lack of a true center. Head coach J.J. Redick never found a rim-protecting big man he trusted, and that deficiency cost Los Angeles dearly in the postseason. The Lakers were simply outmuscled, unable to contest shots or control the glass—critical elements in any playoff battle. Their absence of size wasn’t just a weakness; it was a fatal flaw that capped their ceiling.
Now, general manager Rob Pelinka faces a pivotal offseason, tasked with reshaping a roster built around superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić. While Dončić’s midseason arrival electrified the team, it wasn’t enough to mask the imbalance in the lineup. One of Pelinka’s top priorities must be addressing the frontcourt.
In fact, Los Angeles came close to solving that issue before the trade deadline. The Lakers had reportedly agreed to a deal to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. However, a medical snag during Williams’ physical caused the Lakers to pull out of the trade at the eleventh hour.
With the playoffs exposing this deficiency on the biggest stage, finding a dependable and physical big man is no longer optional—it’s essential. As the team recalibrates for another title push, upgrading the center position will be at the heart of that strategy.
Nic Claxton Named Best Big Man Option For The Los Angeles Lakers
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
In response to this deficiency, Sports Illustrated recently highlighted potential frontcourt upgrades for Los Angeles—and one name stood out at the top of their list: Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets.
“This is the pipe-dream acquisition Lakers fans have been wanting for years,” the article noted.
Claxton, a 6-foot-11 center with explosive athleticism and elite defensive instincts, would be a major solution to L.A.’s paint problems. He averaged 2.1 blocks per game during the 2023–24 season while anchoring Brooklyn’s defense, and his ability to switch on the perimeter while protecting the rim makes him one of the NBA’s most versatile big men.
Brooklyn, currently in a rebuilding phase and unlikely to contend in the near future, may prefer to stockpile future assets. Claxton is entering the second year of a four-year, $97 million contract, making him a relatively affordable long-term addition for a contender.
A trade package could require a future first-round pick and matching salaries—possibly involving Rui Hachimura—but the payoff could be immense. Pairing Claxton with the Lakers’ core of Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves would strengthen their defensive identity and extend their championship window.
For a team that desperately needs size, toughness, and rim protection, Claxton isn’t just a luxury—he may be the missing piece.