Lakers Linked To Clint Capela, Brook Lopez In Search For Center

How do the Los Angeles Lakers help LeBron James and Luka Doncic? Well, most will tell you it starts up front.

“They’re gonna get a big,” said Keith Smith of Spotrac on his Front Office show. “They’re gonna get a rim-running big man. I don’t know who that will be. … Brook Lopez, Clint Capela. I think Capela fits a little bit better because of his style of play. But Brook Lopez would be good as well. We’ll see where they go, but yeah, a big.”

Both Capela and Lopez are unrestricted free agents, and while the Lakers don’t really have the ability to sign either outright, they could work out a sign-and-trade arrangement. Who they would have to give up in such a deal, well, that remains the question.

But by all accounts, the Lakers identified their need for a true center after acquiring Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in February — and then sending him back. Williams, as you know, failed his physical.

Capela, 31, appeared in 55 games this past season with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 8.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and shooting 55.9% from the field.

Lopez, 37, appeared in 80 games, averaging 13.0 points and 5.0 rebounds, shooting 50.9% from the field. He has more range on his shot than Capela, with Lopez hitting 37.3% of his 3-pointers.