Lakers to trade for 29-year-old Center that could move Anthony Davis

Apart from Dejounte Murray, the Los Angeles Lakers are also keeping a close watch on another player from the Atlanta Hawks. As reported by Brett Siegel from Clutchpoints, the Lakers are one of four teams expressing interest in acquiring Hawks center Clint Capela.

Brett Siegel mentioned, “For Capela, several playoff-contending teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Sacramento Kings, have shown interest in the veteran center, sources reveal.”

According to information from The Athletic’s John Hollinger, the Hawks are exploring the possibility of trading either Capela or De’Andre Hunter alongside Murray. If a trade involving Capela materializes, it would open up opportunities for Onyeka Okongwu, a fourth-year big man, to take a more prominent role in the Atlanta frontcourt.

Despite discussions around a potential expanded deal involving Murray, the Lakers are not willing to include Austin Reaves in the trade. League sources suggest that the Lakers have briefly considered the idea of acquiring both Murray and Capela from the Hawks. However, Atlanta has been insistent on obtaining Austin Reaves, a third-year guard, in the deal. The Lakers have maintained a firm stance on keeping the 25-year-old guard out of all trade discussions, both with the Hawks and other teams.

Clint Capela is under contract for one more year, with a value of $22.2 million for the upcoming season. The Swedish center, who led the league in rebounding in 2021, could significantly bolster the Lakers, currently ranked 22nd in rebounding. Capela, with averages of 11.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks this season, would serve as a substantial upgrade over Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood as a backup for Anthony Davis. Additionally, his presence could allow Davis to shift to power forward, his more comfortable position, if Capela starts at center.

 

Anthony Davis Owns Lakers Loss to Jazz

Despite concluding with his first triple-double of the season, Davis acknowledged responsibility for the Lakers’ 132-125 loss to the surging Utah Jazz on January 13.

“Everyone did their jobs except me. “I did not do my job,” Davis told reporters in the locker room. “Obviously, Bron is out. Everyone had to step up, and those guys did–except me. So this one is on me.

With LeBron James (ankle) sidelined, the Jazz refocused their defense on stopping Davis. The Lakers big man missed 16 of 21 shots, yet he finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, and four blocks.

Max Christie Has Fans Around the League

The Lakers have a knack for identifying overlooked draft prospects and developing them into NBA starters.

Following Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves, Max Christie is on his way to being the next one.

The second-year guard is creating trade rumors as he continues to play well in the midst of the Lakers’ ailments.

“Max Christie, the second-year guard who has worked his way into the rotation, has value and fans all over the league, but his restricted free agency this summer reduces some of his value,” the Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike wrote on January 13.

Woike swiftly added that Christie would be an accessory in any transaction.

The 22-year-old unheralded guard has been averaging 7.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists since the calendar turned to 2024. He scored 14 points twice in the last six games for the Lakers and played in the last minutes.