Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport
The offseason is shaping up to be a busy one in Los Angeles. After another disappointing playoff exit, the franchise wants to make a splash… but without the means for a complete overhaul, they’ll need to make smart, targeted moves. And two names are already standing out.
The Lakers’ top priority is clear: they must address two glaring weaknesses on the roster—a true center and a versatile wing. Signing a big man has become crucial after being outclassed by the Timberwolves, and the lack of a reliable secondary wing creator has also been felt.
Among the realistic targets, Nic Claxton is attracting significant attention. The Nets’ center, available this summer, could leave Brooklyn for the right price. The Nets are open to moving him, and the Lakers might be able to put together a package. Claxton would bring size, mobility, and interior defense—exactly what the Lakers need.
Two ideal additions for the Lakers?
Andrew Wiggins is the other name being mentioned behind the scenes. While not as explosive as he was in 2022, the wing underwhelmed this past season in Golden State before being traded to the Heat. Still, his profile remains valuable, especially for a Lakers team lacking size and wing defense.
Jovan Buha : “Claxton and Wiggins are the best realistic players the Lakers could get for each of their two big holes.”
While these names may not be as flashy as a superstar acquisition, they are credible and would bring real solutions to a roster that has often been unbalanced around LeBron James.
Furthermore, Wiggins could potentially be acquired via a larger trade, as could Claxton—but it would require the Lakers to use their few remaining assets wisely. Rob Pelinka will have to be strategic, potentially leveraging a first-round pick or including promising rookie Dalton Knecht.
One thing is certain: the front office is preparing for changes, and the pressure is high after a season that fell short of expectations. The decisions made this summer could shape the immediate—and possibly final—future of the LeBron era in L.A.