The Los Angeles Lakers made a franchise-altering move ahead of the trade deadline as they acquired Luka Dončić. While the move has set them up for the post-LeBron James era, they will need to rebuild the roster around their new stars strengths if they hope to get at least one more title before the four-time MVP retires.
After sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the Dončić trade, the Lakers have a massive need at center that they will look to address this summer. Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points suggested that a former rebounds leader is expected to be a target for the franchise.
"League sources anticipate yet another tough market for free agents this summer, but it’s not so dry that Steven Adams will be available to the Lakers, let alone Myles Turner or Naz Reid," Clutch Points' Anthony Irwin wrote Tuesday. "Clint Capela is considered within reach at $5.7 million and, as such, is expected to sit pretty high on the Lakers’ target board."
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Capela is set to enter unrestricted free agency after spending the past five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. He played his lowest minutes since 2015-16 this season, averaging just 21.4 minutes per game.
He was, however, productive in his diminished role. The veteran center averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 55.9% from the field. His stretch of seven consecutive games coming to an end.
The opportunity to play alongside Dončić and James -- two of the league's top facilitators -- could entice Capela to join Los Angeles. Furthermore, his lack of playing time last season could make him affordable for the franchise.
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