The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in another Atlanta Hawks player in addition to Dejounte Murray.
The Hawks center Clint Capela is a target for four teams, including the Lakers, according to Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints.
According to sources, a number of playoff-contending teams have already expressed interest in acquiring Capela. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Sacramento Kings have all been mentioned as potential suitors for the veteran center. Siegel wrote this on January 15.
The Hawks are looking to package Capela or De’Andre Hunter with Murray, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger.
Onyeka Okongwu, a fourth-year big man, will take the lead in the Atlanta frontcourt thanks to a trade involving Capela. The Lakers are still unwilling to add Austin Reaves to the possible Murray trade expansion, though.
“The Lakers, league sources said, have briefly discussed the scenario of acquiring both Murray and Capela from the Hawks. The Lakers have not wavered in their determination to keep the 25-year-old out of any trade talks, while Atlanta has persisted in wanting third-year guard Austin Reaves. This includes the trade discussions Los Angeles has had with teams other than the Hawks.
Under his current contract, Capela has one more year remaining, worth $22.2 million for the upcoming season. The Lakers, who rank 22nd in rebounding, will undoubtedly benefit from the presence of the Swedish big man, who led the league in rebounds in 2021.
As Anthony Davis’ backup, Capela, who is averaging 11.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks this season, would be a major improvement over Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes. Alternatively, he could start at center and move Davis to power forward, where he is more at ease.
Even though he recorded his first triple-double of the year, Davis accepted responsibility for the Lakers’ January 13 defeat by the hot-shooting Utah Jazz, 132–125.
“Everyone but me completed their tasks. In the locker room, Davis told reporters, “I didn’t do my job.” Bron is obviously out of it. Except for me, those guys stepped up when it was time for them to. I’m taking this one on.
