Three potential targets Lakers should pursue this summer to replace Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers have been knocked out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves for some time now, thus proving the Luka Doncic trade is not the only move they need to make.

After trading away Anthony Davis, they are left with a big man rotation of Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Maxi Kleber. 

In order to maximize their time remaining with Lebron James, they need to act quick and pick up a real big man, after their Mark Williams trade was rescinded.

Here are a few names that the Lakers could potentially target via trade rather than on the free agent market as they head into their offseason. 

Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks

Gafford now has to share minutes with Anthony Davis and Derrick Lively III, and has recently stated he wants to be paid like a starting center, according to a report by Tim Macmahon. 

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He offers great rim protection and has already built chemistry with Doncic during their time together in Dallas. He is a hyper-athletic big man who will serve as a great rebounding lob threat to lock down the paint. 

Jonas Valančiūnas, Sacremento Kings

Valanciunas is newly acquired by the Kings, and is a scoring first big man. The Lithuanian 7-footer offers aggression and energy in the paint, and can even shoot the three-ball.

He could immediately start for the Lakers, offering them a versatile lineup with increased switchability and a dominant force down low.

Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

Claxton would be the best defensive player by far and is a realistic target now that Austin Reaves has been involved in trade talks. 

He is a great rim protector and would be the perfect screener for Luka Doncic. The Nets should be willing to deal, due to the state of their team and him not fitting the timeline. 

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