Sleepers, breakouts and busts for the 2025-26 fantasy season: Castle, Sarr, Porter Jr., Murphy III and Buzelis offer high upside as sleepers, with Castle perched outside the top 100 but ready to contribute across points, dimes, and boards. Breakouts like Miller, Flagg, Giddey, Wells, and Ware carry league-winning potential as their roles loom larger. Busts include George, Morant, Zubac, Claxton and VanVleet, where durability, minutes, and surrounding talent may cap upside.

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, they face significant challenges in adding vital components to their roster. The focus lies primarily on acquiring a starting-level center and a versatile two-way wing player. A recent proposal presented a three-team trade that could potentially address these needs, involving Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets and Andrew Wiggins from the Miami Heat. In exchange, the Lakers would part with several players, including Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt, along with multiple draft picks.

While the trade proposal sounds promising on paper, skepticism arises over its feasibility, particularly concerning Vanderbilt's contract, which is viewed as a negative asset. Claxton’s value in the league makes him a sought-after player, complicating any deal that requires the Nets to accept a less favorable contract. Nonetheless, if the Lakers can navigate this trade successfully, it could enhance their lineup significantly, especially with Wiggins bringing championship experience and offensive prowess.

The Los Angeles Lakers are prioritizing an upgrade at the center position this offseason. Reports indicate they may pursue a mix of a serviceable center to log around 25 minutes per game and another big man for 15 minutes. The team could also consider making a significant move for an All-Star-caliber center. Notable realistic targets include Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks and Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets as potential trades. Veteran Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks might be a candidate for their mid-level exception, though his recent decline in performance raises questions about his long-term viability.

Other secondary options for the Lakers include Goga Bitadze from the Orlando Magic, Day'Ron Sharpe of the Brooklyn Nets, Luke Kornet, Larry Nance Jr., and Precious Achiuwa. Each player offers a unique skill set that could fit into the Lakers’ system, but the team's success will hinge on their choices and how they address the critical center position.

The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring potential targets for a veteran center this offseason, including Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets and Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks. They had previously reached out to the Atlanta Hawks regarding Onyeka Okongwu, a promising young big man. Additionally, Brook Lopez, currently with the Milwaukee Bucks and a former Laker, is also on their radar as he becomes a free agent this summer.

Lopez has had a solid season, averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting nearly 51% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim could be beneficial for the Lakers, who are in desperate need of frontcourt size. However, his age at 37 raises concerns about his longevity and effectiveness, potentially making him a one-year solution.

The Brooklyn Nets face a pivotal offseason as they navigate the aftermath of a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, finishing with a 26-56 record. With four first-round picks at their disposal for the upcoming draft, speculation is rife regarding potential trades to augment their roster.

Recent reports suggest the Phoenix Suns, looking for a starting-level center, may target Nic Claxton in trade discussions. Despite his strong performance last season, Claxton's name has popped up in rumors linking him to potential trades with both the Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers, who also seek an upgrade at the center position.

Claxton's statistics from the last season—averaging 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game with an impressive shooting percentage—make him a valuable asset. However, the Nets are not actively seeking to move him unless the right offer comes along.