The Los Angeles Lakers’ top free-agent center target this offseason is expected to remain with his current team.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, who has long been on the Lakers’ radar—even before the Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade—will likely stay in the Eastern Conference, according to Bleacher Report’s salary cap expert Eric Pincus.
“The trend remains the same: top free agents will have limited options unless their current teams facilitate a sign-and-trade. The Pacers hold all the leverage with Turner, unless the Nets or Pistons aggressively pursue him,” Pincus noted.
Indiana has built a reputation for remaining competitive without exceeding the luxury tax. If they maintain their financial strategy, Turner may receive a lower offer than anticipated. His starting salary could be around $18 million, which might require Indiana to make a small trade to stay under the tax threshold.
The Lakers lack the cap space to compete with the Nets or Pistons unless LeBron James declines his $52.6 million player option and re-signs at a reduced salary. Alternatively, they could pursue a sign-and-trade, using their 2031 first-round pick as leverage, similar to their approach in the voided Mark Williams trade. However, the Nets and Pistons possess more draft assets.
Lakers Have Considered Trading for Myles Turner
In January, ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin reported that the Lakers had extensive internal discussions about making an offer for Turner. They debated whether it was worth offering both of their available first-round picks before the trade deadline. However, after trading their 2029 first-round pick in the Dončić deal, the Lakers now have just one remaining first-round asset to use.
Turner, a 7-foot center, is the best available free agent at his position this offseason. He is a proven rim protector, averaging 2.2 blocks per game in his career, and has the ability to stretch the floor with a 36.2% career three-point shooting percentage. Additionally, he is capable of scoring in the paint.
Clint Capela as a More Affordable Option
If Turner is unavailable, the Lakers may explore more budget-friendly center options in free agency.
One possibility is Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela. If the Hawks choose not to re-sign him despite having his Bird rights, the Lakers could potentially acquire him for a lower cost—possibly within the taxpayer midlevel exception or slightly above the non-taxpayer midlevel, depending on his market value.
“Capela should attract interest from other teams, though he will likely see a salary reduction from his current $22.3 million. He is expected to sign a new contract in the $5-14 million per year range,” Pincus wrote.
Capela fits the profile of a rim-running center that Dončić reportedly requested upon joining the Lakers. While Jaxson Hayes has shown promise, his lack of experience and small sample size make him an uncertain long-term solution. Additionally, Hayes is set to become an unrestricted free agent.