The challenge for the Lakers, however, will be acquiring Claxton at the right price. The Nets signed him to a four-year, $97 million deal in the offseason, and while he hasn’t been at his peak level this season, his contract is descending, making him a potentially valuable long-term asset.

Kessler is the headliner of this deal and he could easily provide the Lakers with strong production right away. The big man is one of the best defensive centers in the entire league and could give this team a legitimate running mate next to star Anthony Davis.

This mock trade would give the Lakers not only a serviceable starting center next to Anthony Davis, but one who could be a game-changer.

The Los Angeles Lakers remain out on three of the best centers available on the NBA trade market despite star Anthony Davis expressing his hope for the

While the Lakers are eyeing an upgrade at the center position, neither Jakob Poeltl or Nikola Vucevic will reportedly be among those that the team chases ahead of the trade deadline.

The NBA trade deadline is getting closer and many continue to watch the Los Angeles Lakers in expectation of any potential moves the team could make. The team has been known to desire adding another big man since before the season started and Anthony Davis’ recent comments only furthered that belief that the Lakers are in the market for a center.