Claxton is a quality defender and has the makings of a perfect fit for the Lakers' system. The team could benefit exponentially by developing a pick-and-roll pairing with Luka Dončić, and at just 26 years old, he could be the building block for Los Angeles that he never really had the chance to be for the Nets.

Also, the Heat and Bulls appear interested in Jonathan Kuminga, and the 76ers would still love to trade the No. 3 pick.

“It’s also possible these kinds of rumors are being floated so that those teams the Lakers have been holding trade talks with for a starting center might believe they’re serious about using their trade assets on something else if prices for centers don’t drop,” Irwin adds. “This is smokescreen season, after all.”