NBA Trade Rumors: 6-foot-10, 61.7% shooting center high on Lakers’ target board as big man search intensifies

The LA Lakers are aggressively pursuing a starting-caliber center to strengthen their roster and provide a competitive edge alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James. With frontcourt depth a clear priority, the front office is expected to explore every possible avenue, whether through trades or free agency.

Several highly sought-after unrestricted free agent big men are set to hit the market this offseason, including veteran center Clint Capela. The Lakers have also been linked to potential moves for Naz Reid, Steven Adams, Myles Turner, all of whom are also expected to be available in free agency.

According to Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, there’s growing speculation that the team could make a strong push to sign Capela, a 6-foot-10 center, who has shot 61.7% from the field in his career. Reports suggest that the Lakers may look to offer the Atlanta Hawks center the taxpayer mid-level exception, which is currently valued at $5.7 million.

Capela fits the mold of the ideal center to play alongside Luka Doncic. His elite lob-finishing ability is exactly what the Lakers are seeking in their next starting big man and his rebounding continues to be a major strength. The former Houston Rockets standout is also a reliable screener, with a well-established pick-and-roll game that has consistently delivered results throughout his career.

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Fans react to prospect of Clint Capela joining Lakers

Social media quickly lit up following reports that the Lakers are showing strong interest in signing Clint Capela. Lakers fans shared a flurry of candid reactions, sparking lively debates over the potential move, weighing the pros and cons of adding the veteran center to the roster.

A fan said:

Raden

@VLQ28

LINK

Clint Capela 😮😱?

Are we in 2025 or 2015?

Anything other than being a back up & this is a preposterous move.

Another fan said:

Real-1

@OnlyRealLeft

LINK

This is sad. I get he's 31, but for a center in the NBA, that’s a lot of mileage. Same goes for Brook Lopez or Steven Adams. Myles Turner would be a great option—and Nic Claxton wouldn’t be bad either.

A fan commented:

dru

@drumxr

LINK

Type of center the Lakers need

Another fan wrote:

WALITO-NY

@WalitoWorldwide

LINK

Capela at $5.7M?

If the Lakers pull that off, it’s a steal.

Perfect fit for what they need inside.

Capela appeared in 55 games for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2024–25 regular season, averaging 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 block per game while shooting an 55.9%. A seasoned veteran with 11 years in the NBA, he has had impactful stints with the Houston Rockets and the Hawks, showcasing his consistency and value as a reliable presence in the paint.