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NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Need To Find A Replacement For Anthony Davis

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The reaction to the blockbuster trade in the NBA this weekend makes it feel like the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a highway robbery. But in acquiring Luka Doncic, they traded away one of the best big men in the league and a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Anthony Davis. It leaves a hole at the center position for Los Angeles, one that they’ll have to fill quickly if they hope to make a deep playoff run this year.

NBA Trade Rumors: Which Center Will The Lakers Target?

Who might they target to replace Davis on the back line? Here are three players that the Lakers might target before Thursday’s trade deadline:

Nic Claxton – Brooklyn Nets

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Need To Find A Replacement For Anthony Davis

One of the names that will be floated in the coming days in Nic Claxton. The Brooklyn Nets are already 5 games back of the 10th seed and final play-in spot, and their players have been involved in trade rumors all season long. One of the guys that they could be making available is center Nic Claxton, who may be just what the Lakers are looking for to fill the starting center position.

He’s never been much of an offensive threat, but Los Angeles doesn’t really need one. The ball dominance of Doncic and LeBron James means that Claxton’s 10 points per game average doesn’t matter all that much, especially in comparison to what he brings on the defensive end. Two years ago, he finished second in the NBA in blocks per game, and was in the top-10 last season. His numbers have taken a dip in 2024-25, but a change of scenery (and playing with an all-time great) could bring him back to his days of dominant interior defense.

Myles Turner – Indiana Pacers

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Need To Find A Replacement For Anthony Davis

If the Lakers were to somehow bring in Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers, it would make them instant contenders in the Western Conference. The 28-year-old has been the subject of trade rumors throughout his career, but no trigger was ever pulled, keeping him with the team that drafted him 10 years ago. It seems unlikely now more than ever, though, considering that the Pacers are currently in 4th place and making a move up the standings in the East, so the Lakers would probably have to give up a lucrative package in order to bring him in.

He would bring an offensive skill set that would help Los Angeles both in attacking the rim and stretching the defense. While his overall field goal percentage is down slightly from year’s past, Turner is enjoying the best three-point clip of his career (40%). He is a few years removed from being a DPOY candidate, but still ranks 5th in the NBA in blocks per game.

Clint Capela – Atlanta Hawks

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Need To Find A Replacement For Anthony Davis

Capela might be considered a backup option if the Lakers strike out on other targets. The 30-year-old big man currently plays for the Hawks, and his game in centered around dunking and blocking shots. But he certainly doesn’t have the production that he once did, having dipped below 10 points per game for the first time in nine years, and with his blocks average the lowest since his rookie season.

The Lakers would probably be able to keep some of their assets if they made a deal for Capela, since the player’s price tag is likely lower given his sagging statistics. It would likely be a rental situation, as his two-year contract is set to expire at the end of the season.