Lakers Interested in Former NBA Rebounding Leader: Report
The Los Angeles Lakers are targeting another Atlanta Hawks player besides Dejunte Murray.
The Lakers are one of four teams interested in Hawks center Clint Capela, according to Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings have been mentioned as potential suitors for the veteran center,” Siegel wrote on Jan 15.
According to John Hollinger of The Athletic, the Hawks would like to add Capela or De’Andre Hunter to Murray. The Capela trade brought fourth-year big man Onyeka Okongwu to lead Atlanta’s frontcourt.
However, the Lakers do not want to add Austin Reaves to Murray’s contract extension. According to league sources, the Lakers briefly discussed the possibility of acquiring Murray and Capela from the Hawks. While Atlanta wants third-year guard Austin Reaves, the Lakers have been determined to keep the 25-year-old out of any trade talks.
It’s about the trade talks Los Angeles has had with teams other than the Hawks. Capela has one year remaining on his current $22.2 million contract through next season. The Swedish big man leading the way back in 2021 would certainly help the 22nd-ranked Lakers. Capela, who averaged 11.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks this season, would be a big upgrade over the additions of Anthony Davis, Jackson Hayes and Christian Wood.
He can also start in the middle and move Davis forward, which is his comfortable position. Despite completing his first triple-double of the season, Davis led the way in the Lakers’ 132–125 loss to the Utah Jazz on January 13. “Everybody did their job except me. I didn’t do mine,” Davis told reporters in the locker room.
“Obviously the armor is off. Everyone has to work harder but me. So that’s it for me.”When LeBron James (ankle) went out, the Jazz instructed the defense to block Davis. The Lakers big man missed 16 of 21 shots, but still finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists and four blocks.
