The Los Angeles Lakers continue to value Austin Reaves highly despite his struggles in the first-round playoff defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Reaves emerged as their third key player throughout the season, complementing stars like Anthony Davis in the first half and Luka Dončić in the latter half. Yet, the team remains intent on acquiring a top-tier center to strengthen their lineup, signaling potential trade discussions involving Reaves. According to reports, the Lakers will only part ways with Reaves if the return is an elite center, a position they have targeted to fix their postseason shortcomings.

Proposed Trade Aims to Strengthen Lakers’ Frontcourt and Shooting

The Lakers are actively pursuing ways to reinforce their roster, particularly after their small-ball strategy faltered in five games during the postseason despite the presence of stars such as LeBron James, Dončić, and Reaves. With limited trade assets, having only a 2031 first-round pick remaining, the Lakers face challenges in acquiring starting-caliber talent. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley laid out a possible three-team trade scenario where the Lakers would receive Brooklyn Nets’ center Nic Claxton and sharpshooter Cameron Johnson, both players linked to improving balance and defense on the team.

In this proposal, the Lakers would send Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent to the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Brooklyn Nets would receive C.J. McCollum, Dalton Knecht, and multiple future first-round picks. This trade is designed to address the Lakers’ need for a strong interior presence and reliable outside shooting, which are critical gaps exposed in their recent playoff performance.

Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson Seen as Key to Roster Balance

Nic Claxton’s physicality and rim protection complement Cameron Johnson’s versatile defense and shooting ability, offering the Lakers a more balanced starting lineup. Buckley emphasized their importance, writing the Lakers

would get their own rim-running big in Claxton, plus a high-end shooter with some flexibility on defense in Johnson.

—Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report

By trading two starters, Reaves and Hachimura, along with their 2031 first-round pick and Dalton Knecht, the Lakers aim to shore up defense and improve floor spacing. The pursuit of Claxton has been a recurring theme in Lakers trade talks, with multiple sources including Anthony Irwin of Clutchpoints noting ongoing discussions surrounding Claxton and other available centers.

The envisioned starting five of Dončić, Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, LeBron James, and Claxton would offer more defensive stability and offensive versatility than their most recent playoff configurations. Johnson’s defensive prowess against elite backcourt players and his height advantage over Reaves could ease pressure on Dončić, while a frontcourt containing Finney-Smith, James, and Claxton promises formidable defense on both ends.

Financial and Roster Challenges Loom Beyond the Trade

However, the proposed trade also presents new issues. With four players traded out for two, the Lakers would be limited to only a $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE) to fill remaining bench roles. To expand their salary cap flexibility, there is speculation that LeBron James may opt out of his player option and accept a pay cut, which could unlock a $14 million non-taxpayer MLE.

If restricted to the taxpayer MLE, the Lakers would need to allocate that amount among two rotation players. The bench configuration might include Jarred Vanderbilt as a Sixth Man, alongside bringing back Jordan Goodwin and adding another big man. This raises further questions about the developmental readiness of Bronny James for rotation minutes in his second season, a factor that could influence the Lakers’ depth and rotation strategies moving forward.

Trade Could Reshape Lakers’ Future But Financial Constraints Remain

The attempt to trade Austin Reaves in exchange for Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson highlights the Lakers’ urgent need to fix their structural weaknesses, particularly at center and shooting positions. While the acquisition of Claxton and Johnson promises improved defense and versatility, the trade’s financial aftermath may complicate roster building efforts. The Lakers face the challenge of balancing a stronger starting lineup with limited salary cap space and bench depth.

As the offseason progresses, the Lakers’ front office will need to weigh the benefits of this potential trade against the financial flexibility required to maintain a competitive roster. How they navigate these decisions could have lasting effects on the team‘s competitiveness in the coming seasons.