The Los Angeles Lakers have dealt with a massive, Anthony Davis-sized hole at the center position since the 10-time All-Star was shockingly dealt prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline for ex-Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić, and the team will certainly look to make necessary adjustments this summer.
In order to provide both Dončić and four-time NBA champion LeBron James with a major big man upgrade in the wake of Davis’ departure, the Lakers’ general manager may look to acquire a former Defensive Player of the Year candidate and rebounding champion from the Atlanta Hawks, Clint Capela, in unrestricted free agency.
As a versatile rebounder, defensive presence and capable finisher at the rim, Capela could be the perfect addition for a Lakers team boasting two generational play-making talents in Dončić and James.
In his 11th campaign at 30 years old, the 6-foot-10 big has contributed 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting 55.9% from the field in just 21.4 minutes of action for Atlanta.
Though he arguably offered his most productive NBA season with the Hawks as a sixth-place finisher in Defensive Player of the Year voting and league-leader on the boards with 14.3 rebounds in 2020-21, Capela is more well-known for his tenure with the Houston Rockets from 2014-2020.
Capela was former MVP James Harden’s main partner in the pick-and-roll game, which ended with the Swiss big man being the beneficiary of plenty of alley-oop dimes from the talented facilitator.
It likely would not take long for the Lakers’ superstar tandem to develop incredible chemistry with Capela as a roller, as his main function has been to catch lob passes from the Hawks’ 4-time All-Star and talented passer Trae Young even after his Rockets career came to a close.
Capela’s sensational shot-blocking skill and rebounding prowess would also work wonders for a Lakers team looking to win a championship while severely lacking in both categories.
If the Lakers are able to replace Jaxson Hayes with a battle-tested, skilled veteran like Capela in free agency to pair with their all-time great duo, his prospective addition could help to largely boost the storied organization’s chances to raise their 18th banner in franchise history.
