Lakers Target Ayton, Lopez, Capela in Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers are targeting multiple veteran centers in the upcoming NBA free agency as they look to address a key roster weakness. Former No. 1 pick DeAndre Ayton is expected to be bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers and could join the Lakers if he accepts a lower salary. The team is also pursuing Brook Lopez, a former Laker coming off a strong stint in Milwaukee, and Clint Capela, who is attracting interest from other teams such as the Spurs and Clippers. Both Lopez and Capela would provide valuable rebounding and defensive presence. The Lakers' well-known urgency to upgrade at center may affect their bargaining power. With limited cap space, the Lakers may have to use the taxpayer mid-level exception to secure one of these players.