Even though the 2024-25 NBA season is far from over, some Los Angeles Lakers fans are already looking ahead to the offseason.
After all, general manager Rob Pelinka will finally have a proper opportunity to add a legitimate center this summer. The failed Mark Williams trade deadline deal has forced the Lakers to roll with the likes of Alex Len in the frontcourt, highlighting the need for a proven rim protector who can take advantage of LeBron James and Luka Doncic's playmaking skills.
There will be plenty of veteran centers that the Lakers can target in free agency this summer, including one big man who is gearing up to find a new home.
Lakers Rumors: Clint Capela Likely Leaving Hawks in Free Agency
When it comes to the upcoming crop of free-agent big men, Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela is likely one name that the Lakers will be monitoring. Although there's still time for the Hawks to re-sign the 6-foot-10 blocker, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto is reporting that Capela "is expected to depart from Atlanta this summer."
"After being benched in favor of Onyeka Okongwu and dangled in trade talks before the deadline, the early expectation is Hawks center Clint Capela will sign elsewhere in unrestricted free agency," Scotto wrote on Friday.
Story: Trae Young discussed Atlanta’s future. Reporting on Hawks free agents Caris LeVert and Clint Capela. Dyson Daniels’ DPOY case. Khris Middleton thinks the Wizards can make the playoffs next season. Thunder, Grizzlies, and more updates on @hoopshype. https://t.co/iphiIz4SHv
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) March 28, 2025
Capela, 30, is an 11-year NBA veteran with over 750 games under his belt between the regular season and playoffs. Even though he might not have the upside Williams has, the former 2014 first-rounder would be a huge upgrade over the Lakers' current center options.
Even though he's been outplayed by Okongwu, Capela is still averaging a solid 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocked shots while shooting 55.9% from the floor across 55 games (41 starts). He's also tallied 11 double-doubles so far while finishing with 10-plus rebounds 19 times.
For comparison, Len has yet to have a double-digit rebounding performance with the Lakers. In fact, he's finished with three or fewer rebounds more times (6) than he hasn't (3) since donning a Los Angeles jersey.
Another positive aspect about a potential Capela signing is that it likely wouldn't force the Lakers to break the bank. His age, declining play, and injury history (played 70-plus games twice since 2018-19) likely means that Los Angeles can secure Capela on an affordable deal.
Most salary cap experts are projecting the Lakers to have the taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE) available this offseason, which could come in at around $5.7 million annually. If that isn't enough to sign Capela, Los Angeles can also trade away a veteran contract or two to free up the non-taxpayer MLE, which is projected to rise to $14.1 million.
Although signing Capela wouldn't guarantee an NBA Championship, adding him to head coach JJ Redick's lineup would ensure that the Lakers are one of the league's top teams next season. In the meantime, they'll head into the 2024-25 regular season's homestretch tied for the fourth-best Finals odds (+1800) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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