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Lakers ‘in shambles’ after losing three targets to rivals in brutal free agency start

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Bergas Agung | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 8:44 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers’ free agency period began with devastating news for their championship aspirations.

Within hours of the market opening, the franchise watched helplessly as three center targets signed elsewhere.

NBA community immediately took to social media with harsh criticism, declaring the Lakers ‘in shambles‘ after their failed pursuit of frontcourt help.

Clint Capela chooses Houston reunion over Lakers desperation

The dominoes began falling when Clint Capela spurned the Lakers to return to Houston on a three-year, $21.5 million deal with the Rockets.

Capela’s decision stunned Lakers management, who viewed him as one of their targets to solve chronic center issues.

The veteran big man chose stability in Houston despite the Lakers’ reported willingness to offer a similar contract.

Houston now boasts one of the league’s most intriguing frontcourts with Capela joining Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams.

This depth allows the Rockets to deploy multiple playing styles while the Lakers remain stuck with their problematic center rotation.

Rockets have so many different flavors of bigs in that frontcourt, can play literally any style at all.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 30, 2025

Brook Lopez delivers crushing blow by joining crosstown rivals

The Lakers’ nightmare continued when Brook Lopez agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The former Milwaukee champion chose the crosstown rivals over reuniting with his original franchise.

Lopez’s decision represents more than just losing a target—it strengthens a direct competitor while highlighting the Lakers’ diminished appeal.

The veteran center will provide quality backup minutes behind Ivica Zubac, who enjoyed a breakout season last year.

The Lakers are running out of options at the center position.

All eyes on Rob Pelinka. pic.twitter.com/KYnTea3s1G
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 30, 2025

Kevon Looney completes Lakers’ center target nightmare

The final blow came when Kevon Looney signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The former Warriors champion became the third center to not land in Los Angeles within the opening day of free agency, even though some reports said he could be a great fit for the Lakers.

Looney’s decision leaves the Lakers scrambling for alternatives in an increasingly barren center market.

Lakers in shambles
— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) July 1, 2025

DeAndre Ayton emerges as Lakers’ last hope

With their primary targets gone, the Lakers must pivot to DeAndre Ayton as their remaining viable option. The former Phoenix center represents their final chance to address glaring frontcourt weaknesses before training camp.

Social media reactions have been brutal, with fans declaring the Lakers ‘desperate‘ and ‘in shambles‘ after this disastrous free agency start.

The Lakers’ center crisis threatens their championship window, leaving fans questioning management’s ability to construct a competitive roster around their superstars, Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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