The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the offseason with one clear priority: fixing their issues at center. Following multiple seasons of temporary fixes at center, the Lakers are now focused on securing a long-term solution. The front office is now actively pursuing a trade for a star-caliber big man.
According to league sources, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton emerged as the Lakers’ primary trade target. The team also explored deals involving Robert Williams and Walker Kessler as they work to stabilize the frontcourt. The current plan, per team insiders, is to trade for a starting center and then use the taxpayer midlevel exception to sign a veteran backup. Brook Lopez and Clint Capela are among the top options for that secondary role.
The Lakers have been showing interest in centers Nic Claxton, Robert Williams III and Walker Kessler on the trade market, while also monitoring Brook Lopez and Clint Capela as backups 👀
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) June 18, 2025
(via Anthony Irwin) pic.twitter.com/KSwJpmOxW2
But there is a catch, and it’s a big one. Everyone around the league knows the Lakers are desperate to fill this hole, and that desperation is driving up prices.“The worst spot you can put yourself in is trying to negotiate while everyone knows about your desperation,” one former NBA executive told Clutchpoints.” They need to bring someone in who Luka is going to want to play with.”
Los Angeles Lakers Seek A Long-Term Center Urgently
This is not the first time the Lakers have been backed into a corner. After waiting too long to move on from Russell Westbrook, they eventually overpaid just to get a deal done. The return of D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley gave the team a quick boost, but none turned into long-term players. Passing on Myles Turner and Buddy Hield is a move many around the league still question.
On the other hand, the Lakers handled the Dorian Finney-Smith threat much better. They got a solid wing without giving up a first-round pick because they did not seem desperate. Good timing made the difference.
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With roster balance still a problem and pressure building, the Lakers are racing to fill their most significant need. The blueprint is clear, but execution without overpaying could bring their biggest challenge.
Also Read: VIDEO: Austin Reaves Breaks Silence On His Lakers Future Amid Rising Trade Buzz
