Los Angeles Lakers: 5 dream targets during 2018 NBA free agency

3. Clint Capela, C, Houston Rockets

I don’t understand how Clint Capela is still such an underrated asset for the Houston Rockets. Seriously, the kid is one of the most dominant centers in the league, but seems to get overlooked because he isn’t a huge offensive threat. There’s more to basketball than scoring.

As we’ve seen this season, Capela is a monster in the paint. Whether he’s performing his best Windex impression or protecting the rim, the Rockets’ rising star seems to always be making his presence felt. Even if he were to take his talents elsewhere, that would continue to be the case.

That’s why the Lakers would love to have Capela. The only problem is that he’s a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning Houston can match any offer he receives. Unless they run into financials issues that make them hesitant to re-sign him, Capela will be staying in Texas to help James Harden and co. contend for a ring.

Still, seeing as this is a dream scenario, the Lakers could hypothetically make a run at him. They have the cap space to offer Capela a max contract. If they were convinced he’s the missing piece to the puzzle, they could go hard for the Swiss center.

It’s not like Ivica Zubac or Thomas Bryant is a future superstar. Capela, on the other hand, appears to already be at that point in his NBA career, even if the average fan isn’t aware of it.