Clint Capela is not the sexiest name who will be available this offseason. However, the 11-year veteran is a known commodity, reliably productive, and hopefully a future member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The idea here would not be to bringing in Capela to plug him in as the starting center and thinking the work is done with regard to patching up the frontcourt. That would be a disappointment. However, ensuring the soon-to-be free agent center adds the needed depth up front is a must.
The Lakers cannot, under any circumstances, end up in a situation similar to the 2024-25 season. Making the move most are expecting is not a bad thing. In this case, it is the right maneuver and the calculated measure that is necessary.
Capela ensures Lakers stay afloat at center spot
Capela lost his starting spot on the Atlanta Hawks to a younger Onyeka Okongwu during the 2024-25 campaign. That does not mean the veteran big man was ineffective.
The Hawks center averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 block during 21.4 minutes per game in his 55 appearances for the team. Capela still shot an effective 55.9 percent from the field too before a sprained left hand cut the season short for the 31-year-old.
Michael Scotto reported in late March that Capela would be seeking opportunities elsewhere during this offseason. The NBA insider doubled down on that intel in his latest drop.
Scotto wrote, "Capela, meanwhile, is viewed around the league by rival talent evaluators as a candidate who could leave in free agency ... after being benched ... and dangled in trade talks before the deadline."
The core issue here would be whether the Hawks veteran still views himself as a starting option in the NBA. If that is not the case, and Capela is willing to embrace a role off the bench for the Lakers, this should be the formality many believe it could be.
Jovan Buha brought up the Swiss center, alongside Nicolas Claxton, among the most realistic options for the Lakers this offseason. It is easy to understand why.
While certainly past his prime, Capela still fits the mold of the center archetype that is desirable playing with a superstar like Luka Doncic. The aging big man can still offer play finishing and rim protection to provide more than enough value as a part of the rotation off the bench for the Lakers.