The Lakers are linked to the Nets big man, and he can easily adapt to Luca Doncic

According to US sports media F/W Vishvisha Kumar. The Los Angeles Lakers have once again caused a sensation in the trading market, this time aiming for a rising star who perfectly complements Luca Doncic's style of play: Brooklyn Nets center Nick Clarkston. Matt Moore Report: "It's no coincidence that multiple Lakers media have reported on the 'theory' deal involving Nets center Nick Clarkston. Clarkston offers a sports-experienced floor runner who can switch to Luka. The Nets and Lakers have already reached deals several times before, and Clarkston may be ready to join a competitive team.

After a turbulent 2024-25 season and a quick playoff out, the Lakers are tasked with filling the gap Anthony Davis left after being hit by a heavy Dallas deal. This loophole in the frontcourt makes Clarkston one of the most striking potential additions, and the league insiders believe that this fit is almost impossible to ignore. 26 The year-old Clarkston has had another solid year with the Nets, averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, shooting 56.3% from the field while providing elite rim protection and convertible defense. His athleticism, shooting blocks and running abilities make him the ideal pick-and-roll partner for Doncic, who thrives on by moving big men who can end and defend.

With the Lakers now fully embracing the roster built around Luca, Clarkston fits the pattern the team desperately needs: a defensive pillar that can impact the game without touching the ball. He has four seasons of contract worth 9,700 $10,000, the deal is controllable given the rising salary cap and Clarkston's growing value. Meanwhile, there has been a heated debate within the front desk in Los Angeles on their current roster.

Austin Reeves has performed well this season, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game and shooting close to 38% from three-pointers. His $13.9 million salary is currently a considerable amount, but his value will be in 2026 Soaring in free agency in 2018. While his agent denied the deal negotiations, league insiders confirmed that the Lakers would consider transferring Reeves, but limited to a young All-Star genius who supplemented Luca’s schedule. Clarkston satisfies many of these.

Haamura Shirak may be more worthwhile, though. His outstanding playoff performance and 41% three-point shooting have boosted his trading stock, but with his $18 million salary and overlap with Doncic, LeBron and Dorian Finney Smith, he could make headlines on a multiplayer package to bring in starting centers like Clarkston. Milton also gave Los Angeles quiet influence. He has three years of 900 The $10,000 contract, only the first year is fully guaranteed, making him the perfect salary-matching asset. Combining young sharpshooter Dalton Knecht and future draft picks, the Lakers can build a competitive package without undermining their long-term flexibility. As the Nets continue to tear down their roster, trade veterans like Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith for assets, Clarkston seems to be the next piece to be considered. Brooklyn may not send him away easily, but if their goal is to accelerate rebuilding, or make bold moves for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Trae Young, a deal involving Reeves could benefit both sides. Clarkston's fit with Luca Doncic is obvious. With excellent defensive instinct, low usage and positional versatility, he could be the Lakers in The defensive pillars lacking in the 2025 playoffs. Rumors may still be theoretical, but the logic behind them is becoming more and more real.