Lakers aggressively pursue big men like Claxton and Gafford, planning a full frontcourt overhaul with size, defense, and toughness.

The Los Angeles Lakers are making it clear: this offseason, they are all-in on revamping their frontcourt. With a renewed focus on size, defense, and physicality, the Lakers have aggressively pursued big men like Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets and Daniel Gafford of the Washington Wizards. Sources close to the team reveal that this isn’t just about adding depth — it’s a deliberate and strategic frontcourt overhaul designed to give the Lakers a new identity and the tools to contend in a Western Conference loaded with imposing big men.

The Need for Size and Toughness

The Lakers’ decision to aggressively target rim protectors and physically imposing big men comes in response to the current makeup of the Western Conference. From Denver’s Nikola Jokić to the Warriors’ Kevon Looney and the Mavericks’ Christian Wood, many teams have frontcourts that emphasize length, athleticism, and defensive versatility. The Lakers’ previous frontcourt rotations have often struggled against such opponents, frequently getting outmuscled or out-rebounded, which directly impacted their ability to close games and secure wins.

This offseason, the Lakers front office has clearly identified size and toughness as priorities. In a league that increasingly values switchable defenders and rim protection, the Lakers want players who can alter shots, control the paint, and bring a physical presence that intimidates opposing offenses. Players like Claxton and Gafford fit this mold perfectly — long, athletic, and able to protect the rim without needing the ball in their hands to be impactful.

Who Are Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford?

Nic Claxton is a 6-foot-11, 220-pound center known for his elite rim protection, athleticism, and ability to switch onto smaller players defensively. Claxton has steadily improved his offensive game, showing flashes of a versatile big man capable of finishing above the rim and making smart decisions in pick-and-roll situations. His length and timing on defense make him a formidable shot-blocker and a deterrent to opposing drives.

Daniel Gafford, standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 240 pounds, is another athletic rim protector with a reputation for ferocious rebounding and aggressive defense. While Gafford’s offensive game is more limited compared to Claxton, his energy and hustle on both ends of the floor make him a valuable role player. He excels at finishing alley-oops and putbacks, and his defensive presence helps anchor a team’s interior defense.

Both players embody the Lakers’ desired frontcourt characteristics: physical, versatile, and defensively impactful without requiring heavy offensive usage.

The Lakers’ Frontcourt Woes

In recent seasons, the Lakers have struggled to find consistent rim protection and rebounding behind their star perimeter players. Injuries to key big men, aging veterans, and a lack of depth have hampered their ability to defend the paint and control the boards. This weakness has often been exploited by other teams, particularly in the playoffs.

Adding long, athletic rim protectors who don’t demand the ball will allow the Lakers to build a more balanced and intimidating roster. These players can focus on defense and finishing around the rim, complementing the Lakers’ stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who shoulder significant offensive responsibilities.

What This Overhaul Means for the Lakers

The frontcourt overhaul is more than just personnel changes; it signals a fundamental shift in how the Lakers intend to play. Gone is the hope of outscoring opponents in shootouts or relying solely on star power. Instead, the Lakers want to establish a defensive identity grounded in length, physicality, and toughness.

This new identity will affect everything from coaching strategies to lineup configurations. By emphasizing rim protection and interior defense, the Lakers can force opponents into lower-percentage outside shots and control the pace of the game more effectively. This approach also helps preserve energy for key players by reducing easy baskets and second-chance points.

Trade Market and Free Agency Activity

Sources indicate the Lakers are extremely active on the trade market and in free agency, exploring multiple avenues to bring in the desired frontcourt pieces. Claxton and Gafford have been mentioned frequently, but the Lakers’ front office is also scouting other potential targets who fit the mold of long, athletic defenders who can change the game without dominating the ball.

Whether through trades involving young players, draft picks, or salary cap maneuvering, the Lakers are willing to be aggressive to secure the frontcourt overhaul they envision. This willingness to pivot dramatically from past roster construction shows the urgency within the organization to remain competitive and relevant in a league that has evolved rapidly.

Challenges and Considerations

Of course, any major roster overhaul comes with risks and challenges. Integrating multiple new players requires chemistry-building and adjusting roles. Defensive specialists like Claxton and Gafford may need time to adapt to new systems and teammates.

Furthermore, balancing playing time and managing egos on a roster with high-profile stars demands savvy coaching and leadership. The Lakers will rely heavily on coach Darvin Ham’s ability to meld these pieces into a cohesive unit.

Finally, financial considerations loom large. The Lakers must carefully navigate salary cap constraints and luxury tax implications while pursuing these targets. Smart contract structuring and negotiations will be key to maximizing roster talent without sacrificing future flexibility.

What Fans Can Expect

Lakers fans should brace for a different look on the court next season. Expect to see bigger lineups, with athletic big men patrolling the paint, swatting shots, and crashing the boards. The Lakers will likely push a more physical style, emphasizing defense first, to complement the offensive firepower of their stars.

This overhaul isn’t just about this season — it’s about establishing a sustainable competitive foundation. By investing in rim protection and toughness, the Lakers are building toward a long-term identity that can weather injuries and adapt to the evolving NBA landscape.

The Bigger Picture: Competing in the West

The Western Conference remains one of the toughest in basketball, with powerhouse teams boasting versatile lineups loaded with length and defensive specialists. To compete at the highest level, the Lakers must match or exceed that level of physicality and defensive prowess.

By aggressively pursuing players like Claxton and Gafford, the Lakers are signaling they intend to fight fire with fire. This is a team determined not to be outmuscled, out-rebounded, or out-defended anymore. They are making a statement: the Lakers are serious contenders, and their frontcourt will reflect that.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ aggressive pursuit of big men like Nic Claxton and Daniel Gafford underscores a significant shift in team strategy. This planned frontcourt overhaul, focused on size, defense, and toughness, aims to address past weaknesses and build a new identity that can thrive in the modern NBA landscape.

With a deep understanding of the challenges ahead and a willingness to make bold moves, the Lakers are positioning themselves to reclaim their status as championship contenders. For fans and analysts alike, this overhaul will be one of the most compelling storylines of the upcoming season — a true test of how size, grit, and defense can shape a team’s destiny in the league’s most competitive conference.