Lakers Acquire A Bruising Center In Mock Trade With Hawks

The Los Angeles Lakers have confirmed their interest in adding a center next to Anthony Davis for the 2024-25 NBA season, with new head coach JJ Redick making this desire public while speaking to the media . Unfortunately, the Lakers haven't been able to acquire targets such as Jonas Valuncuinas with the free-agent center market drying up very quickly this summer.

The Lakers will have to look at trade routes to add a body to their center rotation, with neither Jaxson Hayes nor Christian Wood good enough to play a major role in the rotation next season for a team with winning hopes. As a result, they could speak to the Atlanta Hawks and acquire a veteran they've been trying to dump.

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Clint Capela

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, 2027 Second-Round Pick (LAL)

The Hawks finally open up a starting center spot for Onyeka Okongwu while acquiring an intriguing defensive piece like Jarred Vanderbilt, who can make up for the major defensive limitations the Hawks have been unable to work through. Meanwhile, the Lakers not only add Capela but also free up a roster spot.

The Lakers Hit Two Birds With One Stone

The Lakers have worked tirelessly this summer to try and create roster spots to acquire free agents, failing in that process due to nobody wanting the Lakers' end-of-rotation pieces such as Wood, Hayes, or Cam Reddish. Releasing them will keep their salaries on the Lakers' salary cap, which will hurt the team as they look to further build their roster for a title push this season. Acquiring Capela not only fulfills their need for a center but also opens up a roster spot for a new signing.

Capela averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks last season, with the once explosive lob threat and rim protector starting to decline as he gets older. He's still a solid starting center who'll rebound at a high clip and create a frontcourt with Anthony Davis where opposing teams don't even attempt driving to the rim. The Hawks have been trying to move off Capela, so this deal should be far easier to execute for the Lakers.

With Redick making it clear the franchise needs a big bruising center, there's no option that would fit the bill better than Capela. Given the Lakers' options are either this or playing Hayes/Wood bigger minutes, doing this deal with no first-round pick cost is a phenomenal avenue for improving the roster.

The Hawks Continue Re-Tooling Around Trae Young

When the Hawks acquired Clint Capela in 2021, the hope was that Capela would be a long-term lob partner with Young. However, the center's regression meant that backup big man Onyeka Okongwu deserved more minutes but was blocked out of a heavier load because Capela was on the roster. Moving off Capela not only gives Okongwu a better chance, but it helps the Hawks round out their team.

Jarred Vanderbilt is a multi-dimensional defender who averaged 5.2 points and 4.8 rebounds last season. Injury struggles and offensive limitations have hurt his growth on the Lakers, but if he can put together a healthy season, the Hawks would be a much-improved defense with Vanderbilt's ability to defend opposing guard with his 6'9" frame while also being an impactful rim protector and rebounder.

Gabe Vincent is a nothing acquisition for the Hawks, as the guard could get rotational minutes but likely wouldn't be favored over Young or Kobe Bufkin. He spent most of last season injured, averaging 3.1 points and 1.9 assists in 11 games played.

Both Teams Move Forward

This deal allows both the Hawks and Lakers to make good progress on building out their teams for next season. Capela has been made redundant on the Hawks with his limited play style and the development of Onyeka Okongwu. The Lakers are making it clear they want a center of Capela's build, which makes them a natural destination.

The Hawks getting a valuable young piece like Vanderbilt on a cost-controlled long-term contract is a huge plus for them. Even if he doesn't work out for the Hawks, he'll retain value due to his unique skillset at his size. Regardless, getting off Capela's contract and getting a player like Vanderbilt in return would make a re-tooling Hawks squad really happy. Quin Snyder would be an ideal coach for Vando, so this can be an optimistic pairing.

The Lakers have been burned by Vanderbilt's injuries and limited offensive game on a roster that's already limited when it comes to scoring. The Hawks have the offense to make up for Vanderbilt, while the Lakers get a better-fitting player for the new strategies in the minds of recently-appointed head coach JJ Redick.

Related: Los Angeles Lakers Have 8 Potential Trade Targets In 2024 Offseason

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