While the Los Angeles Lakers are far removed from the three-team trade that landed Kristaps Porzingis in Atlanta, there is still a possible impact. For the Hawks, this signals a move away from a potential Lakers target that is now poised to hit free agency.
Veteran center Clint Capela has spent the last half-decade as a piece of Atlanta's franchise after starting his career with James Harden's Houston Rockets. Now, the center appears to be heading for a new landing spot after Atlanta's most recent trade signals a needed change for the franchise. Capela is the exact type of presence the Lakers were missing in a frustrating playoff exit.
Capela's one downside is the fact that the center has zero ability as a shooter. This means an incredibly inconsistent free-throw percentage and only being a threat on the inside. However, Capela was an elite lob threat with Trae Young, making it easy to envision what numbers the big man could put up alongside Luka. Add in the fact that he is a great rebounder and a willing rim protector, and Atlanta's move could be a win for the Lakers as well.
Lakers' Path to Signing Clint Capela Just Grew Clearer
Capela is arguably among the league's top free agents this offseason and fits exactly what the Lakers are missing. If the team could bring in a secondary option that provides more shooting, the issues at the position would be solved. Capela could be brought in as the secondary option or as a starter who can be replaced by a shooter as needed.
Regardless, it is a fit that the Lakers are going to explore with a limited market at the position. Capela presents a great option that would make Los Angeles a more complete threat in a loaded Western Conference. However, the most important pieces are going to be LeBron James returning as expected and Luka being able to get in better shape ahead of next season. If these two things happen and the team adds Capela, this team is going to be cemented among championship contenders.