According to NBA reporter Grant Afseth of RG.org, the Los Angeles Lakers are pursuing Nic Claxton, Robert Williams III, Jonas Valanciunas and Jakob Poeltl.
The Lakers need a center after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic in what is being called the most stunning trade in NBA history.
“Sources have indicated to RG that the Lakers are pursuing center options before the deadline. Some trade candidates include Nic Claxton, Robert Williams III, Jonas Valanciunas, and Jakob Poeltl,” Afseth wrote. “If the Lakers want to lean on switching, Claxton would be a strong fit to accomplish that. He’s also more of a lob threat than the other trade candidates. Poeltl provides more of an interior defensive presence than others, but is also more of a short roll option—which could be something to consider to combat double teams.”
The Lakers started Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jaxson Hayes against the Los Angeles Clippers in their first game since the blockbuster Davis-Doncic trade. LAL won by a final score of 122-97 to improve to 29-19 on the season.
LeBron, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, was sad to see Davis traded. However, the leading scorer in NBA history is excited to play with Doncic and doesn’t intend to request a trade from the Lakers.
“Luka’s been my favorite player in the NBA for a while now,” LeBron said after the Lakers beat the Clippers. “I think you guys know that. And I’ve always just tried to play the game the right way and inspire the next generation. And Luka happens to be one of them. And now, we’re teammates. So it’ll be a very seamless transition.”
The Lakers are in fifth place in the West. Some around the NBA believe they can win the championship if general manager Rob Pelinka acquires a center this week.
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