The Los Angeles Lakers were unable to finalize a trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams after he failed his post-trade physical on Saturday night, which led to further speculation about potential follow-up trades. Despite this setback, the Lakers secured a 124-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers that same evening, with new starting center Jaxson Hayes making an impressive contribution of nine points and 12 rebounds. Following the win, NBA insider Evan Sidery reported that the Lakers, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, are reportedly interested in two potential Eastern Conference center trade targets for the upcoming summer: Myles Turner and Nic Claxton.
Turner, a key player for the Indiana Pacers, could potentially be acquired by the Lakers through a sign-and-trade deal if they can offer a package that overwhelms the Pacers. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets have reportedly been open to trading Claxton for months, making him another viable target for Los Angeles. Both players are considered strong additions for the Lakers’ frontcourt and could provide much-needed depth for a team aiming for a deep playoff run.
Before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, former Laker Anthony Davis had been the team’s leading rebounder, averaging 11.9 rebounds per game, and also topped the Lakers in blocked shots with an average of 2.2 blocks per game. Turner, for his part, is currently averaging 15.1 points and 1.4 blocks per game this season, playing a crucial role in the Pacers’ push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Claxton has also been solid for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 9.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
For the Lakers, either of these players could significantly enhance their depth, which is crucial for a team that already boasts talent like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. With the trade deadline approaching and their quest for a championship in full swing, acquiring a solid center like Turner or Claxton could bolster their roster and help them contend more effectively in the postseason. Both Turner and Claxton bring different strengths, with Turner offering a more scoring-oriented game, while Claxton brings a strong defensive presence and rebounding ability, making either player a valuable addition to Los Angeles’ lineup for the future.
