The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring the center market, with Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford emerging as the two most commonly linked names.
The Los Angeles Lakers are in the market for a new center after Jaxson Hayes failed to deliver in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The disappointing first-round exit highlighted the Lakers' need for more size and presence in the paint heading into next season.
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Los Angeles Lakers
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Several names have been linked to the LA Lakers, and according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, two players stand out above the rest: Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton and Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford.
"The two most common names that I've already talked about here, and others have reported as well, are Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford," Buha said during his latest Q&A session. "Those are the two best centers that are expected to potentially be available.
"With Gafford, you already have Lively and AD, and he's up for an extension. He's gonna want a raise, so Dallas has to make a decision there with what they want to do with him," Buha continued.
"And then Nic Claxton has a descending contract, but Brooklyn's in this weird in-between space where they don't have blue chip talent, and they are almost too good, like they were too good almost at their own expense. That's a shout-out to Jordi Fernandez and his coaching."
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Claxton, 26, averaged 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in his sixth season with Brooklyn.
Gafford, also 26, posted 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds, proving to be an effective pick-and-roll partner with Luka Doncic in Dallas before the Slovenian was traded to the Lakers. Gafford's value lies in his athleticism and vertical threat at the rim.
Buha also mentioned Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, and Steven Adams as other notable names on the center market.
In addition to frontcourt help, the Lakers are also eyeing the wing position. Bruce Brown, a free agent this summer, is someone LA has shown interest in multiple times. Buha also mentioned Day'Ron Sharpe among names.
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