With the Los Angeles Lakers turning their attention to the offseason far sooner than expected, the team must consider fixing the most obvious of problems.
A lack of rebounding and rim protection proved to be the team’s undoing in a first-round exit against the Wolves.
only this, but one of the most important aspects of Luka Dončić’s game is the consistent presence of a lob threat. With Jaxson Hayes unplayable in playoff situations, it is clear that more than one addition must be made.
While LeBron’s future with the Lakers remains murky, it is clear that this is now Luka’s team. With this in mind, the number one offseason priority must be finding rim protection and a lob threat for Luka. Perhaps starting by looking at an aging center who could be an affordable defensive upgrade.
1. Clint Capela
Capela is set to hit free agency after spending a season where the Atlanta Hawks were clearly phasing out the veteran. With the young Onyeka Okongwu having far more upside, this is an understandable decision for the franchise. However, Capela does carry value as a rebounder, defensive presence, and lob threat. The only downside here is the fact that the veteran doesn’t have a jump shot. Capela is an old-school center that isn’t going to stretch the floor.
The flip side of this concern is that the center answers every possible concern the Lakers have. Atlanta point guard Trae Young had great chemistry with Capela and continually set up the big man with easy lobs at the rim. It is easy to see this level of production and chemistry developing with Luka.
There is also a clear price fit with Capela having a limited market at this stage of his career.
If the Lakers aren’t going to swing for a star at the position, Clint Capela is going to be the best possible answer on the market. A presence that will give them a far better chance at surviving a playoff series.
2. Steven Adams
Is LeBron James your enforcer? Perhaps the late addition of Markieff Morris answered the question of who the physical presence is for Los Angeles. While it is a less important role than in eras past, it is still an important part of any potential championship contender. Having Morris, who is far from working into the rotation, or a forty-year-old LeBron James as your primary options speaks to what the Lakers lack.
Steven Adams is a willing bouncer who protects his stars and is going to play great defense along the way. Houston demonstrated how valuable the center is even at this stage of his career. There is a level of concern whether or not Adams’ playoff value is going to potentially push his price out of the Lakers’ comfort zone. Regardless, it is a great potential fit that the team should at least consider. Adams being a consistent defensive presence and Luka’s protection would be a solid move for a franchise desperate to find size.
3. Al Horford
If you need any evidence of the level Horford can still reach, rewind back to the Celtics vs. Lakers regular season matchup. Horford was willingly taking on LeBron and Luka and holding his own against the stars. Yes, there is limited value in Horford at this stage of his career, however, this is the type of addition the Lakers last made when they had a championship team.
Veteran pieces like Rajon Rondo, Danny Green, and Dwight Howard were brought in around the Lakers’ stars. This is a blueprint the Lakers shouldn’t be hesitant to repeat. At least give Horford the option to leave Boston and finish his career with the superior franchise. It isn’t a likely move, but it is one the team should at least explore.
