The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a turbulent season, marked by a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. This defeat exposed a glaring weakness at the center position, especially following the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic in February. To address this gap, the Lakers are aggressively pursuing a quality center, and according to the latest report from Sports Illustrated, the two names at the top of their list are Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks and Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets. These choices are not only surprising but have also sent shockwaves through the fanbase, sparking excitement about the team’s ambitions for the upcoming season.
Two High-Potential Center Targets
Daniel Gafford – Luka Doncic’s Former Teammate
Daniel Gafford, 26, was once a key partner for Luka Doncic with the Dallas Mavericks, known for his ability to run the floor and finish at the rim. In the 2024-25 season, Gafford averaged 11.1 points on an impressive 70.2% field goal percentage, primarily through dunks and alley-oops. He also proved to be a formidable shot-blocker, averaging 1.6 blocks per game, promising to bring much-needed defensive stability to the Lakers.
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What’s shocking, however, is that Gafford is no longer the Mavericks’ starting center, having been overtaken by Dereck Lively II. With only one year left on his contract (worth $14.4 million), Gafford is a feasible target for the Lakers, especially given their limited trade assets post-Doncic trade. Fans are stunned that the Lakers are willing to reconnect with a player who previously thrived alongside Doncic, potentially recreating their chemistry in Los Angeles.
Nic Claxton – Brooklyn’s Hidden Gem
The second name, Nic Claxton, is an even bigger surprise. At 26, Claxton is entering the prime of his career with three years remaining on his contract with the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks last season, standing out for his mobility and versatile defensive skills. Claxton embodies the modern center archetype, fitting perfectly with the fast-paced, flexible style that head coach JJ Redick aims to implement.
What has fans reeling is the Lakers’ willingness to part with valuable assets like Rui Hachimura or Maxi Kleber to acquire Claxton. The Nets, currently in a rebuilding phase, may be open to trade offers, but Claxton’s price tag will undoubtedly be steep. The Lakers’ determination in this pursuit signals their intent to not only fill the void at center but also secure a long-term solution.
Why the Lakers Need a New Center
The 2024-25 season saw the Minnesota Timberwolves dominate the Lakers, particularly in the paint. Rudy Gobert, backed by his teammates, rendered the Lakers nearly powerless in controlling the boards and defending the interior. Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers’ only center on a standard contract, showed flashes of brilliance but lacks the consistency to anchor the five-spot.
Talked to a ton of people at the Combine in Chicago about the Lakers, about what they’ll try to do, the challenges they face and, oh yeah, that job posting https://t.co/InHDNQ0Lt2
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) May 16, 2025
The trade of Anthony Davis, while bringing Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, left a significant hole in the frontcourt. The Lakers previously attempted to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, but the deal fell through due to concerns about his injury history. With LeBron James now 40 and Luka Doncic in his prime, the Lakers know they need a reliable center to maximize their championship window in the coming years.
Fan Reactions and Future Outlook
News of the Lakers’ interest in Gafford and Claxton has ignited a firestorm among fans on social media. Some are thrilled at the prospect of reuniting Gafford with Doncic, while others are excited about Claxton’s potential to bring fresh energy and longevity to the roster. However, there are also concerns about the cost of these trades, with fans worried about losing key players like Hachimura or future assets.
Whether the Lakers choose Gafford or Claxton, their pursuit sends a clear message: they refuse to settle for another disappointing season. With Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves as the core, a high-quality center could be the final piece to propel the Lakers back to contention. Fans have every reason to anticipate a thrilling and dramatic offseason from the front office.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers’ interest in Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton is more than just an effort to address a roster weakness—it’s a bold statement of their championship aspirations. These two targets, with their unique skills and long-term potential, could transform the Lakers’ outlook for the 2025-26 season. Will the Lakers pull off one of these blockbuster trades? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: fans are on the edge of their seats awaiting the next move.