Aside from Dejounte Murray, the Los Angeles Lakers also have their eyes on another Atlanta Hawks player.
According to Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints, the Lakers are among four teams who have shown a level of interest in Hawks center Clint Capela.
“For Capela, an influx of playoff-contending teams have already begun to show a level of interest, with the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Sacramento Kings named as possible suitors for the veteran center, sources said,”Siegel wrote on January 15th.
The Hawks are looking to package Capela or De’Andre Hunter with Murray, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger.
A Capela trade will pave the way for fourth-year big man Onyeka Okongwu to take the reins in the Atlanta frontcourt. However, the Lakers remain unwilling to include Austin Reaves in the potential expanded Murray deal.
“The Lakers, league sources said, have briefly discussed the scenario of acquiring both Murray and Capela from the Hawks. Whereas Atlanta has remained adamant on wanting third-year guard Austin Reaves, the Lakers have remained firm on their stance of keeping the 25-year-old out of all trade discussions. This extends to trade conversations Los Angeles has held with other teams besides the Hawks.”
Capela has one more year left worth $22.2 million for next season in his current contract. The Swedish big man, who led the league in rebounding in 2021, will certainly help the Lakers who are 22nd in rebounding.
Capela, averaging 11.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks this season, would be a huge upgrade from Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood as Anthony Davis‘ backup. He could also start at center and slide Davis to power forward, his more comfortable position.
