On June 8 , the Los Angeles Lakers are actively seeking to strengthen the center position through a trade, targeting Brooklyn Nets defensive stalwart Nick Claxton. According to relevant news, two feasible trade plans have surfaced, both involving Lakers players Rui Hachimura and Maxi Kleber, plus draft assets.

According to well-known NBA reporter Jake Weinbach , the Lakers intend to introduce Claxton from the Nets through a "4 -for -2" plan. The specific content of the transaction is: the Lakers send Hachimura, Kleber, first-round rookie Dalton Knecht , and the first-round draft pick protected in the top 8 of 2031 in exchange for the Nets' Claxton and the 27th first-round pick in 2025 .

In addition, Bleacher Report also proposed another alternative plan, that is, the Lakers packaged Hachimura, Kleber, the right to swap the first-round pick in 2028 , and the first-round pick protected in the top 8 in 2031 in exchange for Claxton. Both plans reflect that the Lakers are willing to pay a certain price to strengthen the inside line and have regarded Claxton as an important target.

From the Lakers' perspective, bringing in a starting-level big man in the offseason is considered a key step to strengthen the lineup. The team currently lacks depth in the interior, and Davis has been under heavy burden for many years. They are in urgent need of a center who can provide rim protection, pick-and-roll support, and rebounding. And Claxton is undoubtedly an ideal candidate.

The 26- year-old Claxton has shown excellent defensive ability during his time with the Nets. According to his career data, he averaged 10.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 63.6% . In the past season, although his data dropped slightly without the support of a superstar, he still showed excellent finishing ability at the basket and defensive stability.

It is worth noting that Claxton currently has three years left on his contract with the Nets, and his annual salary for the 2025-26 season is as high as $ 25.35 million, making him a cost-effective defensive center. If the Lakers can facilitate the deal, it will greatly enhance the team's competitiveness in the West.

However, the success or failure of the deal still depends on the Nets' attitude and judgment of the pace of reconstruction. The Nets are currently in a transition period, and whether they are willing to give up Claxton in exchange for young players and future draft assets will be the key to whether the deal is finally reached.