NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers could sign 6-foot-10 Atlanta Hawks center to bolster team around

NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Could Sign 6-Foot-10 Atlanta Hawks Center to Bolster Team Around LeBron James and Anthony Davis

As the 2024 NBA offseason continues to unfold, the Los Angeles Lakers are busy exploring ways to improve their roster in hopes of competing for a championship. Although the team boasts one of the most dynamic duos in the league with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, there are still areas of need that require attention, particularly in the frontcourt. The Lakers’ championship aspirations hinge not only on the performance of their stars but also on bolstering their roster with quality role players who can contribute across various positions.

One of the most significant needs for the Lakers has been finding a reliable center to complement Anthony Davis, who, while elite, is more naturally suited to play the power forward position. In light of this, recent NBA offseason rumors suggest that the Lakers are targeting Clint Capela, the 6-foot-10 center for the Atlanta Hawks, to help solidify their frontcourt and provide the team with the rim protection and rebounding that it desperately needs.

In this article, we will explore why Clint Capela is an ideal fit for the Lakers, how his skill set could complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the potential impact this signing could have on the team’s championship window in the 2024-2025 season.

Clint Capela: The Elite Rim Protector and Rebounder

Clint Capela is one of the best rim protectors and rebounders in the NBA. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches and weighing 240 pounds, Capela has built his reputation as a physical presence in the paint. Over the past few seasons, Capela has consistently averaged around 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to control the glass and protect the basket. His combination of size, athleticism, and shot-blocking ability makes him one of the premier centers in the league.

Capela’s impact is especially felt on defense. His shot-blocking ability has made him a key piece in Atlanta’s defensive schemes, as his size and timing allow him to alter or deny shots around the rim. His exceptional rebounding instincts also provide his team with second-chance opportunities while limiting opponents’ possessions.

Offensively, Capela’s game is primarily focused on the pick-and-roll and finishing around the rim. While not a polished scorer in terms of post moves or jump shots, Capela’s ability to finish lobs and clean up misses makes him a perfect complement to playmakers like Trae Young in Atlanta. His role on offense is often limited to screen-setting, finishing off passes, and grabbing offensive boards, but he does so effectively.

Why the Los Angeles Lakers Should Target Clint Capela

The Lakers’ frontcourt, while talented, has been missing a true, traditional center who can focus on the fundamentals of rim protection, rebounding, and providing inside scoring. Anthony Davis, while an elite defender and rebounder in his own right, thrives more as a power forward who can stretch the floor and guard multiple positions. Though Davis is certainly capable of playing center when needed, the Lakers have struggled with consistency in that spot when he shifts to power forward.

Here’s why adding Clint Capela to the roster could be a game-changer for the Lakers:

1. Elite Rim Protection

One of the primary reasons the Lakers are eyeing Capela is his rim protection ability. While Davis is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the league, having a dedicated shot blocker at center would allow the Lakers to dominate the paint defensively. Capela’s presence in the middle would not only provide an added layer of rim protection but also allow Davis to be more versatile in his defensive assignments, whether it’s switching onto perimeter players or helping on ball screens.

In recent seasons, the Lakers have excelled defensively when Davis is stationed at center, but his best work comes when he can be more mobile and aggressive defensively. Capela’s presence in the middle would allow Davis to stay out of the paint more often and focus on guarding forwards and even some guards. This shift would make the Lakers’ defense even more dynamic, as Capela could clean up any missed shots while Davis focuses on switching and defending at the perimeter.

2. Improved Rebounding

Another area where Capela would immediately improve the Lakers is rebounding. During the 2023-2024 season, Capela averaged a robust 11.0 rebounds per game, consistently ranking among the league’s leaders in this category. His ability to secure both defensive and offensive rebounds would help the Lakers increase their possession count and limit their opponents’ second-chance opportunities.

While Davis and LeBron James are both capable rebounders, having Capela in the mix would allow the Lakers to control the boards more effectively. This would be particularly important in a playoff series, where rebounding often plays a decisive role in determining the outcome of games. Capela’s ability to secure offensive rebounds would also create more opportunities for LeBron and Davis to score, as the Lakers would have more chances to capitalize on missed shots.

3. Pick-and-Roll Threat

The Lakers have often relied on a pick-and-roll offense to generate easy baskets, particularly with LeBron James running the show. Adding Capela, who excels in pick-and-roll situations, would allow the Lakers to run this offense more effectively. Capela is a great screener, and his ability to roll to the basket after setting screens makes him a constant threat in the paint. LeBron, with his elite court vision, would benefit from having a reliable lob-finisher like Capela, who can catch passes in mid-air and finish strong around the rim.

Additionally, Capela’s ability to set solid screens would help create more open looks for LeBron and other Lakers guards. With his size and mobility, Capela would also make it difficult for defenders to switch off screens, as he can roll to the basket quickly and finish with authority.

4. No Need for Offensive Versatility

Unlike some centers who are expected to stretch the floor and develop a jump shot, Capela’s lack of outside shooting would not be an issue for the Lakers. The team already has plenty of shooting from players like LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura. The Lakers need a center who can play inside, set screens, finish lobs, and secure rebounds — all things that Capela excels at. His focus on these areas would allow the Lakers to better space the floor, with LeBron and Davis able to focus on creating offense while Capela anchors the interior.

5. Minimal Offensive Responsibility

Because of Capela’s specific skill set, he would not demand the ball in the post or require offensive plays to be run for him. This allows the Lakers to run their offense through LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while Capela can focus on being a complementary piece. His lack of reliance on touches would also allow the Lakers to keep their offensive schemes fluid and give them the flexibility to maximize the talent of their superstar duo. Capela’s primary responsibility would be to finish plays, grab rebounds, and protect the rim, and his understanding of his role would make him an ideal fit for the Lakers’ needs.

How the Signing Would Impact the Lakers’ Championship Window

The addition of Clint Capela would immediately strengthen the Lakers’ chances of competing for a championship in the 2024-2025 season. The Lakers already have two of the best players in the world in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and adding a defensive-minded, rebounding center like Capela would round out their roster. With a strong defense and the ability to control the boards, the Lakers would be in a much better position to compete in a Western Conference that is full of talented teams.

Capela would provide a significant upgrade in the Lakers’ frontcourt, especially when it comes to defensive versatility and rebounding. With Davis able to focus more on his strengths as a power forward and LeBron continuing to play at an elite level, the Lakers would have the depth and balance necessary to challenge teams like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns in a playoff series.

Furthermore, Capela’s experience in the playoffs, particularly in series where he has gone up against elite competition, would provide a steady hand in high-pressure moments. His ability to impact the game without needing a large role in the offense would also make him a valuable piece in crunch-time situations.

Potential Trade or Signing Scenarios

While the Lakers could pursue Capela through free agency or trade, the most likely route to land the big man would be a trade. The Hawks have been looking to make moves to shake up their roster, and with their focus on building around Trae Young and the recent emergence of players like Dejounte Murray and Jalen Johnson, they may be open to moving Capela in favor of a more modern, perimeter-oriented center.

The Lakers would likely need to package a combination of players and future draft picks to land Capela, especially considering his $20 million salary for the 2024-2025 season. The trade package could include players like D’Angelo Russell, Troy Brown Jr., and a future first-round pick, which would help the Hawks fill some of their roster needs while allowing the Lakers to bolster their frontcourt.