Reacts: Nic Claxton a fan favorite for the Lakers

When it comes to acquiring a center, Lakers fans like the idea of Nic Claxton joining the franchise this summer.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Los Angeles Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

It’s no secret that the Lakers need a center. With Los Angeles already well underway with their offseason, speculation has already begun on who the franchise should be targeting as their next big.

In our latest SB Nation Reacts poll sponsored by FanDuel, we asked Lakers fans which center the team should acquire this summer.

The results are in, and 32% of fans think the Lakers should bring Nic Claxton to Los Angeles.

Claxton is a young 25-year-old center who averaged 10.3 points per game with the Nets this past season. He’s an elite shot-blocker and his lob-catching ability makes him the perfect player to pair with Luka Dončić.

Given that he’s under contract through the 2027-28 and makes $25 million next year, trading for him will be costly, but it’s understandable that he’s a player fans would like to see at center for the Lakers.

Gafford came in second in our poll with 24% of the vote. The Dallas big had good numbers last year, averaging 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for the Mavericks.

It’s unknown how willing general manager Nico Harrison would be to make another trade with the Lakers, and some experts believe L.A. would have to overpay for Gafford.

With trades on the table, when you look at the Lakers roster compared to most NBA teams, you’d probably rather have any other frontcourt over L.A.’s. That means there will be plenty of options out there that will be desirable to fans compared to these four select players.

Both DeAndre Ayton and Brook Lopez received fewer votes than the “someone else” option. It seems fans aren’t as excited about an Ayton redemption arc in Los Angeles or a reunion with Brook Lopez.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.