It sounds like another veteran center is off the board for the Los Angeles Lakers as the Feb. 6 trade deadline draws nearer. NBA insider Marc Stein

It has become clear that the cost for starting-caliber NBA centers is high, particularly ones good enough to help the Lakers.

NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, here's a ranking of the best Lakers center targets to appease Anthony Davis.

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.

With the trade deadline looming, the Lakers face a crucial decision—add a true center to support Anthony Davis or gamble on his health for the rest of the season.

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.

Jan 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) moves to the basket against Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that Anthony Davis’ injury will not alter their approach to the trade deadline, despite growing concerns about their roster depth.

The Los Angeles Lakers are fifth in the Western Conference, but if they go after a reported trade target, they could have more than enough size to tackle the Denver Nuggets.