How do we move forward from here? For the Lakers’ management, this question has taken precedence in the aftermath of Jaxson Hayes’ injury. The 7-foot Center/Power Forward, who had participated in 11 of the LA side’s matchups, is now set to be out for 2-3 weeks after re-spraining his ankle. With Anthony Davis himself being on a day-to-day basis, the star-studded team now needs a reliable Center. While trade options are now on the table, acquiring one potential candidate would cost the Lakers big.

Earlier today, Trevor Lane touched base on Jaxson Hayes’ injury, including ways how LeBron James and Co. can move forward. Highlighting a recent statement by Jake Fischer, the host put forward Chicago Bulls’ center Nikola Vucevic as a potential acquisition.

Lane believes that bringing in Vucevic would go a long way to improve the Lakers‘ chances. To do that, the team would have to hit the trade market right now, though. He also indicated that an anonymous GM (General Manager) told Fischer that Vucevic’s price point would cost around 2 second-round picks. So, the Lakers will have to be ready to give some of their key players the boot.

“Now, in order to get their salary-wise, you would have to put in either Rui Hachimura or D’Angelo Russell. Most likely, you’d be building a trade-off one of those two. You could do something off the combination of Gabe Vincent and Jared Vanderbilt,” said Lane.

“Most teams, though, would not be interested in taking on their long-term salaries, but the issue with making trades right now is the asking prices are crazy high. So, while an opposing GM might be willing to do two second-round picks in a trade for Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls are probably going to ask for a first. And if you’re the Lakers, do you give up a first to get a 34-year-old Vucevic? No.” Trevor Lane assured that there would be other ‘bigs’ on the market as well. No matter what, however, it’s going to cost the Lakers big.

Jaxson Hayes’ injury setback puts forward the need for the Lakers to address their frontcourt depth. Trade acquisitions, or bolstering the roster with additional signings, certainly stand out as options. D’Lo has long been a candidate for a potential trade. Austin Reaves took his starter role, which bolstered part of it. Now, with him and Jalen Hood-Schifino approaching the end of their contracts, the LA side can almost save $22.4 million in the expiring deals.

Meanwhile, Jake Fischer also believes that by trading D’Angelo Russell, the franchise could open a spot for Marcus Smart. As of now, no one knows whether Smart or Vucevic will be ultimately considered. But Smart and Vucevic aren’t the only options that are being floated out. If the LA Lakers are willing to put 2-4 of the players on the market to further bolster their position, then they have a whole field to choose from.

Who can the Lakers acquire as Center amidst Jaxson Hayes’ injury?

According to Fadeaway World, the top candidate to take Jaxson Hayes’ spot as Center can be Nic Claxton. Having been at the Brooklyn Nets for 5 years now, Nic hasn’t been involved much on the offensive end this season. In 14 games, and starting in 6 of them, he’s averaged 8.5 points and 2.6 assists. Despite this, Claxton is a reliable force on the defensive front. He is averaging 7.6 rebounds this season, after having averaged 9.2 and 9.9 the two previous years. He has also been credited for being a rare big!

After all, his ability to protect the rim and keep up with guards on the perimeter makes him stand out. Therefore, Claxton can put an end to the Lakers’ defensive gaps by being the player who can understand their play.

One player that the Lakers have reportedly been showing an interest in is Walker Kessler. Having averaged 9.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks this season, he has proven himself as a defensive anchor. The ability to protect the rim and dominate the glass makes him a valuable commodity for the Utah Jazz. Having made the All-Rookie First team in 2023, he has shown growth potential. He is a young player who can provide longevity to the Lakers.

Rob Pelinka’s franchise is currently on a mid-run, with a win record of 11-8. However, the longer it takes them to replace Jaxson Hayes, the poorer the record may get. If someone needs to make a decision, they need to make it quickly. Time is of the essence.