League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Injuries

Lakers might pursue Jalen Smith after injury to Bulls' Nic Claxton

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 6, 2026, 1:38 AM

Last updated Oct 6, 2026

Lakers might pursue Jalen Smith after injury to Bulls' Nic Claxton

Summary

The Los Angeles Lakers are considering Jalen Smith of the Chicago Bulls as a trade target due to frontcourt depth concerns. Bulls center Nic Claxton's hamstring injury has created uncertainty around Smith's future, as he becomes a potential asset. Claxton is expected to miss the preseason, which may lead the Bulls to reassess their roster options. Smith, who is on an expiring deal, averaged double-digit points last season and fits the Lakers' needs for a versatile player. As the Lakers look to adjust their lineup, they have veteran Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili for backup minutes.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Lakers seek frontcourt depth as preseason approaches.
•Bulls' Nic Claxton likely to miss preseason with a hamstring injury.
•Jalen Smith could become available as a trade target for Los Angeles.
•Smith is in the final year of his contract and had increased production last season.
•Lakers added Looney and Mamukelashvili for additional support in the frontcourt.

Latest Updates

1:38 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers Get Major Change on $27M Top Trade Target After Sudden Injury News

What they're saying

"
The Los Angeles Lakers could still look for further frontcourt depth. There is no banking on Walker Kessler to play heavy minutes in a huge number of games as a 7-foot star. They did add veteran Kevon Looney and new addition Sandro Mamukelashvili has been speculated to play some backup minutes at the center spot. However, […] The post Lakers Get Major Change on $27M Top Trade Target After Sudden Injury News appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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