Lakers Predicted To Land $97,000,000 Center in Trade To Add Competition for Deandre Ayton

The Los Angeles Lakers are thriving even without LeBron James.

Prior to Friday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers have a record of 8-4. Much of this credit belongs to the dominating guard duo of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, who are averaging a combined 63.2 points and 17.2 assists.

Center Deandre Ayton is having a solid campaign thus far but remains a liability on the defensive end. Because of this, Los Angeles’ front office could get to work on a trade for a defensive-minded big man.

Lakers Predicted To Trade for Nic Claxton

The Brooklyn Nets are arguably the worst team in the NBA with a record of 1-10.

Outside of Michael Porter Jr., Cam Thomas, and Nic Claxton, the majority of Brooklyn’s rotation are youthful players. To ensure the Nets land a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, moving on from Claxton could be in their best interest.

This is why PFSN’s Noah Rubin predicts the Lakers could trade for Claxton in the coming months. The pitched trade details are as follows:

Lakers receive: Nic Claxton

Nets receive: Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, 2030 pick swap, 2031 first-round pick (protected 1-4)

“Deandre Ayton has been a solid center option for the Lakers early on this year,” Rubin wrote. “Ayton is more dynamic offensively than Nic Claxton, but Claxton is better defensively, and he’s at his best with elite offensive playmakers to set him up.”

Ayton is averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds on 67.2% shooting compared to Claxton’s 15.2 points and 7.1 rebounds on 61.5% shooting. Although their statistical numbers are nearly identical, the latter offers much more defensively and is a longer-term option. This is because Claxton has three seasons remaining on his four-year, $97 million contract.

“For the Nets, they get to take a swing at Dalton Knecht and add more draft capital. Jarred Vanderbilt is a high-level defender, and Maxi Kleber is a solid veteran,” Rubin wrote. “Claxton isn’t a player that they have to move, but they should be able to get some value out of him. Brooklyn needs to add as much young talent as possible, even if it means waiting for the picks to be conveyed.”

A Lakers frontcourt that brings Claxton into the mix would undoubtedly be more competitive for Ayton.