Los Angeles Lakers: Other big-name free agents team must consider

Clint Capela, C — Houston Rockets (Restricted)

Signing Clint Capela to an offer sheet is one move I’d be a big supporter of. The Lakers desperately need a center who can protect the rim and gobble up rebounds, and that’s exactly what the Houston Rockets’ underrated big man does.

The only problem is that it’d likely take a max offer to pry Capela away from Houston. Even then, depending on how some of the Rockets’ other targets play out, they may be willing to match that. Unless the team gets into the running for someone like James or George, I don’t see GM Daryl Morey or owner Tilman Fertitta letting Capela walk without a fight.

Still, it’s not out of the realm of possibility if the right pieces fall into place.

More importantly, Capela makes too much sense as a target for the Lakers. Sure, he’s not a top-tier offensive player. However, what he lacks on that end of the court, he makes up for on the other. The Swiss native is a defensive nightmare, preying on unsuspecting shooters who dare wander into the paint. This past season, he finished second in the league in total blocks (137) and blocks per game (1.9) behind only Anthony Davis.

Even though he’s not going to wow you with a consistent jumper or start draining them from deep, Capela is an efficient offensive weapon. He led the league in field goal percentage (65.2) in 2017-18 while putting up 13.9 points per game. That number was inflated by plenty of put-backs, lobs and easy looks right at the rim, but efficient nonetheless.

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There isn’t much to dislike about Capela. A hard-nosed, team-first talent with game-changing skills down low, he’s more than deserving of the Lakers’ attention. If their pursuit of a James-George combo comes up short, Capela must fall into their crosshairs.