L.A. Lakers Potential Trades: Speculation Surrounds Proposed Deals Involving Claxton, Kessler, and Robert Williams
Off-Season Push for Frontcourt Upgrades: Lakers Targeting Claxton, Williams, and Kessler
The LA Lakers are gearing up for some bold moves this offseason, aiming to bolster their frontcourt. According to sports journalist Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points, the Lakers have their sights set on Nic Claxton, Robert Williams, and Walker Kessler as potential big man additions.
Reports suggest the Lakers' strategy involves trading for a starting center. Irwin has revealed that they have entered discussions with other teams about these three centers and more.
Brook Lopez and Clint Capela are also on the Lakers' radar for backup options, with the possibility of introducing them to the roster using the taxpayer midlevel exemption. Given their current position well below the second apron, the Lakers have the flexibility to combine contracts in trades if needed.
Memphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. has also been connected to the Lakers, but ESPN's Brian Windhorst asserts that securing the 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year is highly unlikely for LA. Windhorst believes that Jackson is poised to sign a contract extension worth over $200 million, making a move to the Lakers unlikely.
Last season, the Lakers attempted to acquire Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, but the deal fell through after a failed physical.
Save the Date: LeBron James and Dorian Finney-Smith Free Agency Decisions
LeBron James, who turns 41 in December, has a $52.6 million player option for next season. He can re-enter free agency if he opts out, which will give the Lakers some cap flexibility. His teammate, Dorian Finney-Smith, also has until June 29 to decide on his $15.37 million player option for the upcoming season.
If James chooses to opt in or sign a new contract this summer, the Lakers will be approximately $1.3 million over the luxury tax, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
Luka Doncic, while not a free agent, can sign a four-year, $229 million extension in August. If no deal is reached, Doncic will become a free agent in the summer of 2026.
Staying Under the First Apron: Opportunities and Challenges
If the Lakers can stay below the first apron, they will have access to the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception for free agency, as opposed to the $14.1 million full mid-level exception if they go over the threshold. Currently, the Lakers owe picks to both Utah and Dallas – a top-4 protected first-round pick to Utah in 2027 and an unprotected first-round pick to Dallas in 2029. The Lakers can trade one first-round pick in either 2031 or 2032, but they also have the right to swap firsts in five seasons and have one second-round pick available to trade.
The LA Lakers, with their eyes on the NBA, are considering several moves to strengthen their frontcourt, such as targeting Nic Claxton, Robert Williams, and Walker Kessler, as reported by Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points. With these potential big men additions and backup options like Brook Lopez and Clint Capela, the Lakers aim to bolster their roster through trades or the taxpayer midlevel exemption, while maintaining flexibility below the second apron.
