The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to dozens of centers in recent months, but they might be narrowing down their search.
LA sorely lacked a competent starting center in 2024-25 after cutting ties with Anthony Davis in the Luka Dončić trade, and by failing to acquire a marquee big man before the trade deadline, the Lakers severely limited their playoff potential.
As a result, it wasn’t a huge surprise to see Luka and LeBron James get bounced in the first round of the Western Conference gauntlet, despite the immense talent between those two players.
That being said, the Lakers absolutely must acquire an upgrade at center this summer so as not to run into a repeat problem in 2025-26.
But who?
On Saturday, Forbes’ Evan Sidery indicated that LA might be zeroing in on two specific targets above all others.
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“The Lakers are targeting an athletic rim-running big man,” Sidery posted to X.
“After the voided trade for (Charlotte Hornets center) Mark Williams, two names to keep a close eye on this summer are (Brooklyn Nets’) Nic Claxton and (Dallas Mavericks’) Daniel Gafford.”
“Brooklyn has been open to moving Claxton, while Gafford is seeking an extension with a pay raise.”
Claxton, 26, has three years and $69.4 million left on his contract (he hits unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2028).
Gafford, also 26, has one year left on a deal set to pay him $14.4 million in 2025-26. Gafford was a key contributor for the Mavs during their 2024 NBA Finals run. He deserves an extension, and it’ll be interesting to see how things play out this offseason with Dallas.
It sounds like the Lakers would love to have either Gafford or Claxton, and it’ll be up to GM Rob Pelinka to work his magic once again.
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