Dynasty in the Making? Lakers Eye $61.98M Hawks Star to Complete LeBron–Luka Big 3
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in talks for a blockbuster trade that could add a third superstar alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić. The target? An Atlanta Hawks center owed $61.98 million—widely believed to be Clint Capela—whose presence could fill a major hole in the Lakers’ frontcourt (soccertimez.com).
Why This Trade Matters
- Defensive Anchor: Capela, standing 6’10”, is a dominant rebounder and shot-blocker. He averaged over 10 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last season, excelling in pick‑and‑rolls and rim protection—areas where the Lakers have struggled since parting with Anthony Davis .
- Perfect Fit with LeBron & Luka: With both LeBron (40) and Luka (25) handling playmaking duties, the Lakers desperately need a traditional big man who can finish lobs and protect the rim. Capela’s style meshes seamlessly with their strengths .
- Salary-Side Concerns: The $61.98 million cap hit could require the Lakers to part with draft picks or rotation players, but management appears prepared to prioritize immediate title contention (si.com).
The Bigger Picture
1. LeBron’s Opt-in Signals “Win Now”
LeBron James recently picked up his $52.6M player option for 2025–26, stressing the urgent need for contending support around him and Luka (washingtonpost.com).
2. Luka’s Rising Stock
After a mid-season blockbuster from Dallas, Luka has quickly become the cornerstone of the franchise. His synergy with LeBron is lauded, though some analysts question how two dominant ball handlers will coexist (reuters.com).
3. Frontcourt Void
The Lakers voided the Anthony Davis era without a true replacement. Their size and defense have lagged, making a rim protector a top priority (talksport.com).
Scouting the Hawks’ Center: Capela or Okongwu?
| Player | Profile | Why the Lakers Want Him |
|---|---|---|
| Clint Capela (30) | Elite rebounder & shot‑blocker, strong in pick‑and‑rolls (soccertimez.com) | Ready-made fit to finish plays for LeBron and Luka. No build-up time needed. |
| Onyeka Okongwu (24) | Younger, athletic big man and L.A. native | Long-term upside; could be Lakers’ center of the future—but less proven than Capela. |
According to SportsTak, Capela has averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.0 block in just 21 minutes per game—more than enough efficiency to help fill the Lakers’ defensive spending gap (thesportstak.com).
⚠️ Potential Risks
- Capela’s Role Decline: Reduced explosiveness could limit minutes in high-intensity playoff games.
- Ball-Dominant Chemistry: Integrating another key player into a LeBron–Luka offense may bring lineup friction (si.com).
- Asset Cost: Hawks will likely demand assets in return—first-round picks, rotation players, or both.
How It Boosts Championship Odds
- Anchored Defense: A true center addresses the Lakers’ Achilles heel—rim protection.
- Offensive Flow: Clean pick-and-rolls and easy finishing by Capela would unclog LeBron and Luka’s playstyle.
- Playoff Context: A defensive-minded big man could make the difference in Western Conference playoff battles.
Industry Buzz
NBA insider Shams Charania notes that the Lakers envision LeBron as a mentor to Luka, but creating a championship roster hinges on surrounding them with rugged, complementary pieces (timesofindia.indiatimes.com, soccertimez.com, si.com). As none of the partners can fill the middle gap, Capela or Okongwu are seen as the most realistic pivots to complete the trio.
Conclusion
This rumored trade for a $61.98M Hawks center—most plausibly Clint Capela—aligns with a clear Lakers strategy: win now, maximize LeBron’s twilight years, and build around a newly minted superstar in Luka. If Los Angeles can pull off this deal without mortgaging their future—or chemistry—they could field the most formidable Big 3 since the Heat’s 2010s dynasty.
But as always in Hollywood… the plot twist is just as important as the script. Will Capela deliver playoff-level dominance? Can LeBron and Luka share the spotlight defensively? Time—and next season’s tip-off—will reveal if this trio is destined for greatness or simply another silver-lining rumor.
