The Los Angeles Lakers head into the offseason with one glaring hole on the roster: the center position. Team president Rob Pelinka has acknowledged the need publicly, stating in his exit interview that finding a rim-protecting, lob-catching big man is a top priority.
“In terms of center traits, it would be great to have a center that was a vertical threat, lob threat, and someone that could protect the interior defensively,” Pelinka said. “Those would be key. But there’s multiple different types of centers that can be very effective in the league… We know we need a big man.”
The need isn’t just about filling minutes—it’s about fit. The Lakers are clearly positioning themselves to complement their stars, especially if they pursue a pairing with Luka Dončić in the long term. Dončić has historically thrived with rim-running centers who can play downhill, set strong screens, and finish above the rim. Whether it was Dwight Powell or Daniel Gafford in Dallas, those archetypes brought out the best in the Mavericks’ superstar.
As the Lakers survey the market, two names have emerged as consistent targets: Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton.
Daniel Gafford: A Familiar Fit
Fresh off a run to the NBA Finals with Dallas, Gafford remains one of the league’s most efficient bigs. He shot an astonishing 78% from the field last season, providing elite rim finishing and reliable shot-blocking. At 26 years old and entering the final year of his contract, Gafford is seeking a long-term extension and starter-level money—a factor that may prompt the Mavericks to move him.
Tim MacMahon of ESPN noted that Dallas “quietly sniffed around” Gafford’s trade value before the deadline and may do so again this summer. With Dereck Lively II emerging and Anthony Davis already on a max deal, paying three bigs isn’t feasible. That dynamic could open the door for the Lakers.
A potential trade package involving Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, and future picks—perhaps including a 2028 first and a 2031 swap—could be enough to spark interest. The Lakers could also leverage their recent trade history with Dallas, though questions linger about how eager the Mavericks would be to strike another deal with them.
Nic Claxton: Long-Term Los Angeles Lakers Solution with Two-Way Upside
The more dynamic of the two targets, Nic Claxton offers the same rim-running profile as Gafford but with more athleticism and defensive versatility. At 26, Claxton averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game last season. He’s durable, switchable on defense, and an explosive vertical threat—exactly the kind of modern center the Lakers have lacked.
However, Claxton’s new $25 million-per-year salary complicates matters. Acquiring him would likely require a larger outgoing package, potentially involving Gabe Vincent, Kleber, and Knecht. That would chip away at an already thin wing rotation.
Brooklyn’s ongoing roster transformation—having already parted ways with Mikal Bridges, Dennis Schröder, and Dorian Finney-Smith—could play in the Lakers’ favor. Claxton, the longest-tenured Net, may be next. According to Matt Moore, multiple Lakers-related trade scenarios involving Claxton are circulating for a reason: “It’s not a coincidence.”
There’s speculation that a deal involving Austin Reaves—a favorite among Nets front office circles—could create a win-win. Reaves would give Brooklyn a young, high-IQ guard who aligns with their timeline, while Los Angeles would land its long-term anchor at the five.
Clint Capela: The Low-Risk Alternative
While Gafford and Claxton would require significant assets, Clint Capela is a more straightforward option. As an unrestricted free agent, Capela could likely be signed for the taxpayer mid-level exception ($5.7 million). He fits the mold—strong pick-and-roll finisher, solid rebounder, and veteran presence—but at 31 and with a declining injury history, he’d be a short-term fix.
Still, for a team that needs flexibility to address other holes via trade, Capela could serve as a cost-effective stopgap.
What Comes Next
According to Forbes Sports’ Evan Sidery, both Gafford and Claxton remain at the top of the Lakers’ center wish list. After missing out on Charlotte’s Mark Williams at the deadline, the Lakers are under pressure to address this need decisively.
The question isn’t just who fits—it’s who’s truly available, and at what price.
If Dallas feels Gafford’s future lies elsewhere, and if Brooklyn continues to reshape its roster, the Lakers could seize the moment. Both bigs offer the kind of verticality and defensive presence Pelinka desires, and either could thrive alongside the Lakers’ stars.
Whether Los Angeles opts for a blockbuster trade or a savvy free-agent signing, one thing is clear: finding the right big man could define their offseason—and shape the next phase of their championship pursuit.