After using the No. 17 pick in the first round to draft Dalton Knecht, there was a rumor that the Lakers no longer insisted that Reaves was non-tradable.
There is but not much credibility for this rumor.
It is not denied that Kneckt's ceiling is higher than Reaves' in terms of statistics and performance in the NCAA. And from the perspective of position, the two are in direct competition. But don't forget that: Knecht hasn't played an NBA game yet.
What I want to say is that "parallel goods" abound every year, and it's not too late to wait for Kneckt to play out. Potentially, it was not too late to abandon Reeves then.
However, with the Lakers using the No. 17 pick themselves, it has become increasingly difficult to trade stars this summer.
First of all, there are only two first-round picks that the Lakers can trade this summer in 29 and 31;
Second, because of the Knicks and Nets' trade for Bridges, the stars and superstars have even led to an increase in the trade value of role players.
The combination of the two points achieves the benefits of one and the other.
With limited chips, how should the Lakers strengthen themselves?
First of all, you should choose from the open peddlers. These players have one thing in common: the asking price is relatively low. Of course, even the combat power is also uneven. Otherwise, it will not be openly peddled.
Secondly, after choosing a backcourt, the focus of reinforcement should be on the inside line.
According to journalist Even· Sidery revealed: The Eagles are peddling Capela.
In the regular season, Capela averaged 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds in 25.8 minutes per game. With good efficiency, it is clear that the Eagles are not selling Capela immediately, but more to give Okongu a position.
The big center who averages 12+11 per game is exactly the type that the Lakers like.
First of all, although the height of 208 is on the short side of the center, Capela has enough tonnage (108 kg);
Secondly, so far in his career, Capela has 75.6% of two-point power and 75.5% shooting rate from the basket, which shows that although he mainly "eats cakes", his finishing efficiency is guaranteed;
In addition, Capela still has a one-year contract of 22 million, which means that the follow-up operation is relatively flexible.
To sum up the above three points, especially the first point. With tonnage, it can defend against Jokic. Of course, I mean: it's not about Capela defending one. It's like the Timberwolves, with Gobert on top and Towns/Naz Reed on top.
Finally, with the Hawks openly peddling Capela, I think the Lakers are very likely to get it with Hachimura, Schifino, and the second round. To put it bluntly, the Eagles' needs are to provide space for Okongu to grow, and Hachimura and the others are not insiders. This is one of them.
Second, the Lakers' lack of interior line will also help Capela play well in a contract year to prepare for his next contract.