The Los Angeles Lakers are once again the center of attention as trade rumors swirl ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline. After a relatively quiet offseason, the Lakers have now been linked to a potential move that could shake up their roster. According to NBA insider Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Lakers may be eyeing a Jonas Valanciunas trade to the Lakers, a move that could address some of their most pressing needs.
Valanciunas, a bruising center known for his physicality and presence in the paint, signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards earlier this summer. The move to Washington came as a surprise to many, and now there are whispers that the Lakers could be interested in acquiring the veteran big man. McMenamin has hinted that Los Angeles has enough assets to make a deal with the Washington Wizards, who are currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase. This potential Jonas Valanciunas trade to the Lakers could provide the team with the size and defensive toughness they have been lacking.
New story: From LeBron’s 3s to AD’s D to role player roulette, here are five things to watch for this Lakers season https://t.co/ybTNKmz92j— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 12, 2024
The addition of Valanciunas would likely benefit star forward Anthony Davis, who has long expressed his preference for playing the power forward position, rather than center. This has been a persistent topic of discussion within Lakers circles, as Davis has often found himself playing center out of necessity rather than choice. If the Lakers were to land Valanciunas, it would allow Davis to shift to his preferred No. 4 role, giving him more freedom on the court and likely reducing the wear and tear that comes with banging down low against larger centers.
As of now, the Lakers are thin in the center position, with Christian Wood sidelined for eight weeks following knee surgery. Meanwhile, Jarred Vanderbilt has opted out of foot surgery, which has delayed his return to action. This leaves the team with Jaxson Hayes and rookie Colin Castleton as their primary backup centers—a situation that has many Lakers fans and analysts concerned about the team’s depth in the frontcourt. A Jonas Valanciunas trade to the Lakers could provide immediate relief and bolster the Lakers’ interior presence, particularly on the defensive end, where they’ve struggled in recent seasons.
However, not everyone is convinced that Valanciunas is the answer to the Lakers’ problems. Prior to McMenamin’s recent comments, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha weighed in on the potential trade, noting that while Valanciunas was a target for the Lakers, he wasn’t necessarily a high-priority option. On his podcast, Buha referred to Valanciunas as a “mid to low-tier trade target,” suggesting that the Lakers might be looking at other, more impactful players before making a move for the Washington Wizards’ big man.
“There was some interest, obviously, and he was on LeBron’s list,” Buha said on his show. “But I don’t think there’s as much interest as a guy like Wendell Carter or some of these other guys that have popped up. I view Jonas like a mid to low-tier trade target.”
Buha’s assessment adds another layer of intrigue to the situation. While Valanciunas would certainly fill a need for the Lakers, his acquisition might not be seen as a game-changing move. The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, will have to weigh their options carefully as the trade deadline approaches. Are they willing to make a deal for Valanciunas, or will they pursue other big men who could make a bigger impact on the team’s playoff hopes?
The Lakers are in a season of uncertainty. After a rollercoaster campaign last year, which saw them make a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals, the team’s health remains a major concern. LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while still dominant when healthy, have both struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Their availability will be key to any success the Lakers hope to have this year. Additionally, the team is adjusting to a new head coach, JJ Redick, who is taking the helm after the departure of Darvin Ham. Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter, brings a fresh perspective to the team, but it remains to be seen how his coaching style will translate to success on the court.
One thing is certain: the Lakers are never far from the headlines. Whether they pull off a trade for Valanciunas or another big man, or decide to ride it out with their current roster, the upcoming season promises to be full of drama. With LeBron James entering his 21st season and Anthony Davis trying to stay healthy, the Lakers will need all the help they can get if they hope to make another deep playoff run.
While a Jonas Valanciunas trade to the Lakers might not move the needle as much as some fans hope, it could still be a smart move for a team in need of size and defensive toughness. The Lakers’ frontcourt is depleted, and Valanciunas’ presence could provide stability, especially as Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt work their way back from injuries. However, this is a team that has been defined by star power for years, and Valanciunas, while a solid player, doesn’t carry the same star appeal as some of the Lakers’ past acquisitions. It will be interesting to see if the front office opts for a lower-risk move like Valanciunas or swings for the fences with a bigger-name player.
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