As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a pivotal offseason, one area of concern looms large: the center position. After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that exposed the team’s lack of depth up front, bolstering the interior rotation has become a top priority. Enter Clint Capela.
The 31-year-old veteran is expected to part ways with the Atlanta Hawks after being benched midseason in favor of Onyeka Okongwu and subsequently dangled in trade talks. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Lakers are among the teams closely monitoring Capela’s situation, along with the Clippers and Spurs.
Clint Capela’s Fit With The Los Angeles Lakers
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Capela’s role in Atlanta may have diminished, but his production remains serviceable. He averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 block in just over 21 minutes per game, while still shooting nearly 56% from the field. Though no longer the high-flying athlete he was in Houston, Capela remains a capable rim protector and effective pick-and-roll finisher — two traits the Lakers desperately need.
Financially, he may also be a fit. With the Lakers likely limited to the $5.6 million taxpayer mid-level exception, Capela’s perceived value may align with L.A.’s resources — especially if he’s open to a team-friendly deal in pursuit of a title.
There are, of course, limitations. Capela struggles in space, particularly on perimeter closeouts, and his offensive game is limited to dunks and putbacks. But his ability to anchor a defense and his veteran presence could provide much-needed stability to the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation.
Capela is not a splashy addition. He’s not a long-term answer. But he is a known commodity, and one who has appeared in 87 playoff games. For a team with championship aspirations and few resources, that makes him an ideal, realistic target.