Could Lakers make a run at Clint Capela in offseason?

With two weeks remaining in the NBA regular season, the Lakers are focused on securing their postseason spot rather than free agency.

The Lakers (46-29) remain in fourth place in the Western Conference standings after Monday’s home win over the Rockets.

However, general manager Rob Pelinka and advisor JJ Redick will soon need to turn their attention to the future. The Lakers’ decision to pair Luka Doncic with LeBron James ahead of the trade deadline may have bolstered their postseason hopes, but there are still areas of the roster in need of improvement.

One glaring issue remains the center position. While Jaxson Hayes has shown promise when healthy, the Lakers could benefit from added depth and defensive presence, assuming Hayes returns via free agency.

The 24-year-old Hayes is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, his performance and potential are likely to attract suitors on the open market.

“I think there will be suitors who look at the pedigree of being a former lottery pick, look at the age, look at the skill set, look at the improvement, and try to poach him from the Lakers,” Buha said.

Regardless of whether Hayes is retained, the Lakers should keep a close eye on Hawks center Clint Capela. Capela, 30, is expected to leave Atlanta in free agency this summer, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Capela has been relegated to a backup role in Atlanta, and with the Hawks reportedly looking to move him before the NBA trade deadline, his departure seems imminent.

While Capela is not the player he once was, having battled injuries in recent seasons, he remains a capable defender and rim protector. He would provide crucial depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt and could complement Doncic in pick-and-roll situations.

This season, Capela has averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Though his play has dipped somewhat from his peak, the 2021 rebounding champion would offer solid minutes off the bench for Los Angeles.

Capela is a player the Lakers have shown interest in before. However, the financial aspect could pose a challenge. Buha suggested that Capela could command a salary of at least the taxpayer MLE, potentially a two-year deal worth $22-23 million, though a lower figure is also possible.

The Lakers are currently projected to be $4.4 million under the first luxury tax apron, according to Spotrac. But that figure doesn’t account for potential contracts for Hayes or decisions regarding James’ and Dorian Finney-Smith‘s player options.

With other needs, such as perimeter shooting, to address, Capela’s contract demands could complicate matters. He carried a $22.3 million cap hit this season, which could make adding him a difficult financial decision for the Lakers.

Still, Capela would be a strong fit in LA, and with his free agency looming, adding him to the roster could be in play.