After a compelling few weeks for the purple and gold around the trade deadline, there were concerns regarding the center position. With the recent acquisition of their new superstar, Luka Dončić, the team was left to look for a center to help fill the gap in losing Anthony Davis. The Lakers went after Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams.
However, Williams failed his physical, and the Los Angeles Lakers opted to rescind the trade. Shortly after, they would look into the buyout market by signing 7-footer Alex Len. The center position will hopefully be an upgrade to look out for this offseason. With the front office and Rob Pelinka’s determination, they will be diligently working to get the pieces needed for this team to continue to succeed.
3 Center Targets for the Lakers in Free Agency
It’s safe to say that the purple and gold have a very well-rounded team. Between their guards, forwards, and playmakers, there is only one spot to be filled. That is the lack they have at the center spot. Currently, their center rotation consists of Len, Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Koloko. It’s quite unfortunate that the Williams trade was rescinded because, on paper, he would have been exactly who the Lakers needed to fill in some of the void left by Davis being traded. With the offseason months away, there are a few centers to keep in mind that could be great fits in LA.
Myles Turner
Current Indiana Pacers’ big man, Myles Turner, is going to be a free agent this summer. Turner has been continuously linked to rumors involving the Lakers for the last several seasons now. Considering he’s been a lifetime Pacer and is highly productive at 28 years old, it’s going to be quite a difficult move. While it’s not out of reach, it would most likely involve a sign-and-trade. With a hefty price tag, it remains to be seen if LA can pull a string or two in acquiring the reliable big man.
Turner shoots the ball extremely well from beyond the arc; he is currently averaging 15.1 points and 6.6 rebounds on 47.5 percent shooting from the field and 39.8 percent shooting from three. His versatility as a center who can space the floor, knock down threes, and play solid defense catches the eye for LA’s front office. The Lakers will look to add Turner this summer as he fits perfectly next to Dončić and LeBron James.
Brook Lopez
Milwaukee Bucks veteran center Brook Lopez played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2017-2018 season. The 36-year-old big man is still a solid modern center capable of protecting the paint and shooting threes. Lopez provides floor spacing and veteran leadership, he is someone who would also mesh well with this current Lakers roster.
Dončić and James work well with a spacing center who they find for open threes. Lopez is set to be a free agent this upcoming summer and will be a cheaper alternative to Turner. They are quite similar players, but Lopez has an expiring NBA career and a cheaper price tag. Lopez is currently averaging 12.1 points and 4.7 rebounds on 47.5 percent shooting from the field and 36.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Clint Capela
Clint Capela has been a solid center in the league for nearly a decade. He started his career in Houston and became known for his dynamic play with James Harden. Capela has now been with the Atlanta Hawks since 2020 and is set to become a free agent this offseason. He can dunk the ball off lobs, is a fantastic offensive rebounder, and is a solid rim protector.
However, Capela doesn’t provide the spacing that Lopez and Turner bring to a team. He is not a shooter and has always struggled from the free-throw line. Regardless, Capela’s price tag could be worth going after in the offseason. He is a big man who imposes more paint dominance by securing rebounds and protecting the paint. His willingness to catch lobs would be amplified alongside Dončić and James. Capela is currently averaging 9.4 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 57.3% from the field.
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