NBA Trade Rumors: The Lakers' summer must recruit three centers since Mark Williams' fantasy of playing for Luka Doncic is dead
After the trade of the century, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in a move that would benefit them both now and down the road. Still, I'm trying. Due to the young big's lengthy injury history and poor physical, the deal was canceled, and everyone—including the Lakers' draft capital—went back to their previous teams.
We've seen what a skilled lob threat like Doncic can do, which is why the Mark Willaims-Luka Doncic duo was so alluring. Only an outstanding vertical spacing choice can enhance Doncic's downhill skill. Dereck Livley and Daniel Gafford, who caught Doncic's lobs, were essential players in the Dallas Mavericks' journey to the Finals last season.
The Lakers must acquire this type of player if they hope to keep Doncic around for the long run. The inclusion of the Lakers' 2031 first-round selection made the package they sent to the Hornets appealing. The Lakers can change course this offseason now that they have that back.
Clint Capela (Atlanta Hawks)
The Hawks are not trying to win at all costs with their trade deadline moves. Moving forward, Atlanta may give priority to its youthful wings. Their fire sale would begin if Trae Young were to appear on the market shortly, which wouldn't be shocking. The Lakers ought to be keeping an eye on Clint Capela.
Although Capela isn't the best at catching lobs off James Harden like he was in 2016, he may still be useful as a vertical spacer. With the Hawks, he has made 45 appearances and averages nine points per contest.
Doncic has demonstrated that he doesn't require special treatment, therefore that's not special. All he needs is competence. As a seasoned veterinarian, Capela contributes that.
Due to the fact that Capela is not a young, potential big, Los Angeles would not need to sweeten the deal like they did for Willaims. Doncic can make lemonade out of lemons, but this isn't the finest choice.
Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz)
It's never easy to make a deal with Danny Ainge, the CEO of basketball operations for the Utah Jazz, but Rob Pelinka might have to call him this summer. Walker Kessler is 7-foot-1, but he isn't the conventional lob threat Doncic is accustomed to playing with. Kessler, who is assisted by reliable playmakers like Isaiah Collier, is shooting 71% at the cup. Although he is not Luka, Collier has the potential to be an excellent floor general in this league.
Kessler's value is mostly found on the defensive end of the ball. In the paint, he resembles a tree trunk that deflects, blocks, and discourages shots. Kessler is the closest defender, and opponents only shoot 55% at the rim, per PBP statistics. It's impossible to overstate how well Doncic fits offensively, but perhaps more crucial is finding a fantastic defensive big man for the backline.
There has also been debate about Kessler's worth. Ainge and the Jazz reportedly demanded at least two first-round selections in any Kessler trade. In exchange for Williams, a defensive stop, the Lakers were prepared to give up two firsts. Though he is far from the rim protector, he is unquestionably a greater lob danger than Kessler. Only twenty-three and a half is Kessler's age. He might be the Lakers' long-term center solution and is worth moving for.
Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets)
This offseason, the Brooklyn Nets ought to go through a fire sale as well. Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson ought to be important figures to keep an eye on. Although Claxton hasn't had as good of a season as previous years, you have to put his circumstances in perspective. Playing against Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, he gave it his all. It's evident that Claxton is now playing without a star. His career would be revitalized if he were paired with Luka Doncic, the ultimate star.
Even though he doesn't have as much of an impact when playing with Durant and Irving, Claxton still shoots 72% from the rim.
According to Cleaning the Glass, that puts bigs in the 72nd percentile. That's similar to Livley and Gafford, and when fully involved, Claxton adds something extra.
Given Doncic's well-known defensive shortcomings, the Willams combination may have been disastrous. When Claxton is playing for something, he can be a vertical menace on defense. He's been dropped as a rim protector since Brooklyn hasn't been competing.
I attribute that to him having a defective defensive infrastructure and being overtaxed. Many players play on the bottom feeder, without defensive energy and effort.
Catching lobs and defining the rim in Los Angeles would revitalize Claxton. He has a huge contract, but how long he stays in Los Angeles will depend on whether he gets a real big next to Doncic.
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