Sunday’s Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis swap left a massive void in the Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt. After pulling off one of the more shocking trades in NBA history, general manager Rob Pelinka could have more moves on the way — and the Nets could get involved.
“Part of the reason why Luka was so effective last year in leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals was having Derrick Lively and Daniel Gafford, guys who he could have a lob threat to at the rim,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said. “Those guys stayed in Dallas. They didn’t come to LA with Luka. The Lakers would be looking to find a player with a similar skill set as we reach towards Thursday’s trade deadline.”
In order to bring in a legit center, the Lakers could be willing to use some combination of Rui Hachimura/Jarred Vanderbilt/Gabe Vincint/Dorian Finney-Smith and a first-round pick. Portland’s Robert Williams III, Utah’s Walker Kessler, Indiana’s Myles Turner have all been mentioned as potential trade targets for the team ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline. To no surprise, so have Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe of the Nets.
It makes sense why the Lakers would pursue Claxton. He’s only 25 and matches Doncic’s timeline. He’s a solid pick-and-roll big who can be unlocked with a great playmaker. And when he’s locked in and engaged, he’s proven to be one of the best defensive centers in the league.
The Nets gave Claxton a four-year, $97 million extension in the offseason and were expecting him to take the next step in his development. However, preseason injuries led to a slow start for him in 2024-25 and his game has seemingly regressed in numerous ways. But it’s no secret that he’s in a rough, rebuilding situation in Brooklyn surrounded by little on-court continuity.
A chance in scenery could lead to Claxton’s best play yet at both ends of the court. He carries a $27.5 million cap hit this season and the Lakers would need to match as a first-apron team.
Acquiring Sharpe would probably be a cheaper option for the Lakers. Entering Tuesday’s games, the 23-year-old has averaged 7.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in just 17.3 minutes per game this season. While Claxton would be viewed as the sexier trade, no Nets frontcourt player has showcased more tenacity this season regardless of role. He can be wildly impactful when healthy.
Sharpe has been heating up recent games, averaging 9.2 points and 6.9 rebounds on 56.2% shooting over his last 13 appearances. The Lakers have reportedly been monitoring his availability for a while now. And he’s under contract for just $4 million this season.
