The Los Angeles Lakers are left to watch the Conference Finals from home and wonder how to get back there. While they were eliminated in just five games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, the Lakers could just be a few tweaks away from making the Western Conference Finals.
It's obvious that after trading star Anthony Davis for superstar Luka Dončić, they need a starting-caliber center. That came back to bite them, with them getting dominated by the Minnesota Timberwolves and their impressive frontcourt.
While Jaxson Hayes played reasonably well, the Lakers still need a more reliable center. It's clear that they need to focus on adding more size in the offseason. Fortunately, the Lakers could have a clear pathway to adding two starting-caliber centers this summer.
Genius moves the Lakers must be focused on making this offseason
The Lakers could solve their center problems by targeting Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela and Milwaukee Bucks big man Brook Lopez. Both have plenty of experience, with each having played at least 11 seasons.
That is an important detail because both could be willing to take a big pay cut to chase a championship, especially to play in L.A. Even so, it would require star LeBron James to play ball by taking a pay cut. That would allow the Lakers to have access to their full $14.1 million mid-level exception (MLE).
In that case, they could sign both to bolster their weakness by adding two starting-caliber big men to the mix. In theory, that should be workable with LeBron having taken a pay cut last season to ensure that the Lakers gave son Bronny James a ridiculous 4-year fully guaranteed contract. That is type of contract is extremely unusual for a late second-round pick.
The Lakers must sign Clint Capela and Brook Lopez
However, LeBron may not be willing to take another pay cut. If he doesn't, then Capela and Lopez would each have to take the veteran minimum of $3.63 million if they are interested in playing for the Lakers.
That might be a harder sale, but not impossible. Particularly with the Lakers being able to offer them significant minutes and possibly even a starting role on a good team that features two superstars.
Ultimately, the Lakers should target Capela and Lopez this summer to fill the hole they have at center. That may require LeBron to take a pay cut. But if he agrees, then they could sign two veteran big men to bolster what has the potential to be a terrific team.