Reinforcement plan is revealed, Lakers restart center negotiations

In the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Lakers were eliminated by the Timberwolves 1-4, and their inside shortcomings were completely exposed.

Faced with the successive impact of Gobert, Randle and Reed, the Lakers lost all rebounds, with only one game of rebounds in 5 games.

G3 was even removed by Gobert. In this game, the Timberwolves shot 55.6% from the penalty area and scored a total of 48 points in the inside. In this round of the series, the Lakers averaged 12 points in the penalty area.

The current starter Hayes averaged 1.8 points and 2 rebounds per game in the playoffs, plus or negative value - 4.3, completely becoming a spectator of the team. Data shows that the Lakers' inside defensive efficiency is 118.3 (third from the bottom in the league), which makes the Timberwolves' basket shooting percentage increase by 6.2% compared to the regular season.

Strengthening the center in the offseason has become the top priority of the Purple and Gold Corps. According to the latest news from Sports Illustrated, Clarkston of the Nets has become the Lakers' number one target, and the management plans to "restart" transaction negotiations.

Clarkston is 2.11 meters tall and has an arm span of 2.2 meters. He is a typical modern blue-collar center, specializing in eating cakes, framing and changing defenses. Before renewing the contract in 2023, he had outstanding performances for two consecutive seasons:

2022-23 season: averaged 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.5 blocks per game, shooting percentage 70.5%, and 8.4% reduction in the inside defense rate

2023-24 season: averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks per game, and 62.9%.

However, Clarkston's form declined in the 2024-25 season, averaging only 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, and his defensive influence dropped sharply (the opponent's shooting percentage increased by 0.9%).

But the Lakers are still optimistic about his potential for three reasons:

Age advantage: 26 years old is at its peak, which is in line with the Lakers' long-term plan.

Contract cost-effectiveness: Salaries will be 25.35 million, 23.15 million and 20.94 million respectively in the next three years, far lower than those of the top center.

Doncic adaptability: good at pick-and-roll down, and can maximize Doncic's pass threat.

It is reported that in addition to Clarkston, Gafford and Kessler are also targets for the Lakers' recruitment.

Compared to Clarkston, Gafford's tacit understanding with Doncic has been verified. This season, he averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of up to 70.2%, and his contract was only one year and 14.37 million US dollars, which was extremely cost-effective.

In addition, he is also Doncic's old partner, so he will have a more tacit understanding when working together.