Lakers Add Perfect Center to Complement Luka Doncic in Projected Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the basketball world over the weekend by pulling off arguably the most unexpected blockbuster in NBA history. Sending Anthony Davis to the Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic, the Lakers set themselves up perfectly for the next decade.

Now that the Lakers have one of the best players in the league with his prime ahead of him, they have to surround him with the best-fitting roster possible. Doncic-LeBron partnership is certainly exciting, but the Lakers need more defense and frontcourt depth.

GM Rob Pelinka will undoubtedly look for a starting center after Anthony Davis' departure and one veteran big man presumably on the trade block is the perfect fit.

Lakers Land Clint Capela in the Latest Mock Trade Proposal

Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks should be easily acquirable for the Lakers for a package consisting of Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent. LA could throw in a second-round pick to sweeten the deal but this should be an appealing package for the Hawks regardless.

Doncic is one of the best passers and pick-and-roll operators in the NBA. He thrives playing with rim-running centers who can finish lobs. He had an excellent partnership with Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford in Dallas. Capela provides that same skillset. He has had a similar partnership with Trae Young in Atlanta for the past several years.

Plus, Capela is a solid rim protector and rebounder. He would immediately be the best defensive big man on the team.

Moreover, the 30-year-old center is on an expiring contract. If things don't work out, the Lakers can let him walk in free agency. They could also just re-sign him to a team-friendly deal.

The Atlanta Hawks already have Onyeka Okongwu to replace Capela. They are adding a solid wing in Rui Hachimura, who could replace Jalen Johnson, who suffered an unfortunate season-ending injury. Since they are in a rebuilding mode, finding a new home for their veterans in exchange for future assets and younger players makes a ton of sense for them.

The Lakers have other center options on the market, like Jakob Poeltl, Walker Kessler, and Mitchell Robinson. Depending on the trade package it would take to acquire him, Capela may be one of the better options for the Lakers.

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