The Los Angeles Lakers are making waves in the NBA offseason following their blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic. With a glaring hole at the center position, the Lakers are reportedly targeting Atlanta Hawks star Clint Capela, whose $45.8 million contract over the next two years could be the key to forming an unstoppable Big 3 alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Why the Lakers Need a Center
The departure of Anthony Davis has left the Lakers without a dominant big man to anchor their frontcourt. While Doncic and James create one of the league’s most lethal offensive tandems, the team struggles with:
Rebounding: The Lakers lack a consistent presence on the boards to secure second-chance opportunities and limit opponents’ offensive rebounds.
Rim Protection: Without a shot-blocker, the paint is vulnerable to drives and post-ups.
Pick-and-Roll Synergy: Doncic thrives with a lob threat in the pick-and-roll, a role Davis filled expertly.
To address these deficiencies, the Lakers are prioritizing a center who can complement their star duo while fitting within their financial constraints.
Clint Capela: The Perfect Fit?
The Lakers’ pursuit of Clint Capela comes at a pivotal moment. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, where their lack of size was glaringly exposed, Los Angeles is prioritizing an upgrade at the center position. Capela, who is set to hit unrestricted free agency after a five-year stint with the Hawks, presents a compelling case. Despite a reduced role last season, averaging 21.4 minutes per game, Capela maintained impressive efficiency, posting 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 55.9% from the field. His proven track record as a former NBA rebounds leader (14.3 RPG in 2019-20) underscores his potential to anchor the Lakers’ frontcourt.
At 6-foot-10, Capela may be slightly undersized for a traditional center, but his relentless energy on the offensive glass and as a rim protector makes him a perfect fit for a Lakers team looking to complement the playmaking brilliance of Dončić and the versatility of James. His ability to finish lobs, set screens, and protect the paint could elevate the Lakers’ defense, which struggled against Minnesota’s towering duo of Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid.
Clint Capela is high on the Lakers’ target board, per @AnthonyIrwinLA
“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. Clint Capela is… pic.twitter.com/mW27SeMf9V
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 11, 2025
Why Capela Makes Sense
Playstyle Synergy: Capela is a classic roll man who thrives on lobs and putbacks. His ability to set screens and dive to the rim pairs perfectly with Doncic’s elite playmaking and James’ drive-and-kick game.
Defensive Anchor: Capela’s 1.0 blocks per game and ability to guard the paint provide the rim protection the Lakers desperately need.
Contract Flexibility: With a $22.3 million salary for 2025-26 and a $23.5 million salary for 2026-27, Capela’s contract is manageable for a Lakers team navigating the salary cap post-Davis trade.
The Lakers’ Championship Vision
Acquiring Capela would create a balanced roster capable of contending for a title before LeBron James’ eventual retirement. The projected starting lineup of Doncic, James, Capela, and supporting pieces like Austin Reaves could dominate both ends of the floor. Capela’s presence would allow James to conserve energy on defense while enabling Doncic to exploit mismatches in the pick-and-roll.
Beyond Capela, the Lakers are rumored to be exploring additional moves, such as acquiring a $22.5 million Golden State Warriors star to bolster their shooting and depth. However, securing a reliable center remains the top priority.
Challenges and Competition
While Capela is a prime target, the Lakers face challenges in securing his signature. Other big men, such as Nicolas Claxton, Brook Lopez, and Steven Adams, have also been linked to Los Angeles, indicating a competitive market for centers. Additionally, the Lakers have explored trade options like Utah’s Walker Kessler, though the Jazz’s steep asking price makes a deal unlikely. Capela, as a free agent, offers a more straightforward path, but the Lakers may need to leverage their taxpayer mid-level exception or orchestrate a sign-and-trade to make it work.
The Hawks’ shift toward Onyeka Okongwu as their center of the future has fueled speculation that Capela will not return to Atlanta, making him a realistic target. However, other contending teams could vie for his services, and the Lakers must act swiftly to secure him before free agency heats up following the 2025 NBA Draft.
A New Era for the Lakers
The potential signing of Clint Capela represents more than just a roster upgrade—it’s a statement of intent. With Dončić and James leading the charge, and Capela fortifying the paint, the Lakers could form a Big 3 capable of challenging the NBA’s elite. General Manager Rob Pelinka’s strategic vision is clear: build a roster that maximizes Dončić’s prime while honoring James’ legacy. Capela’s addition would provide the defensive backbone and rebounding prowess needed to compete with powerhouses like the Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Celtics.
As the Lakers prepare for a pivotal offseason, the basketball world is watching. Will Capela join forces with LeBron and Luka to create an unstoppable trio? If this move materializes, the Lakers could be poised to reclaim their place atop the NBA, ready to write a new chapter in their storied history.
The Unstoppable Big 3?
If the Lakers land Capela, the trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Clint Capela could redefine the Western Conference landscape. James’ leadership, Doncic’s offensive wizardry, and Capela’s interior dominance create a versatile unit capable of outscoring and outdefending opponents. With the clock ticking on LeBron’s career, this move could be the Lakers’ best shot at another championship.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if they can pull off this shocking move. Will Clint Capela be the missing piece in the Lakers’ championship puzzle? Only time will tell.