Lakers Target $30M Center to Team Up with LeBron James

As reported by Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in perhaps trading for Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas. At 6 feet 11 inches and 245 pounds, the center has so far played with the Washington Wizards and has attracted the Laker's interest, who are looking to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2024 season.

Valanciunas writes for Lebron James, who has been malleable pay cut players. Ever since he joined the Washington Wizards, Valencias signed a rather juicy 3-year $30 million contract. This one turnaround was completed by signing and trading with the New Orleans Pelicans even after reports emerged that the Lakers intend to exhaust their $12.9 million mid-level exception.

His trade restriction expires on December 15, making him a tradeable asset for the Lakers at midseason. In particular, Valanciunas performed well last season with the Pelicans, where he managed 12.2 points, dished out 2.1 assists, and grabbed 8.8 rebounds per game.

This means he does not have to worry about being bruised by enemies but rather dominates in the paint area, which is what the Lakers really require, especially at this moment with their roster constraints at center.

Redick Hints at Size

In July, Lakers head coach JJ Redick entertained the idea of signing a "bruising" big man during an interview with Sirius XM NBA Radio at the NBA Summer League.

However, addressing the need for more front-line size, Redick did not utter Valančiūnas’ name either. ‘’Currently looking at the Western Conference, the way it is now with the likes of Denver, Minnesota, or even OKC with what they have added, you do need quite a bit of size, especially for certain matchups in the playoffs,’’ Redick remarked.

The Los Angeles Lakers center position is poorly manned, with Christian Wood absent for a minimum period of eight weeks owing to knee surgery. The whiteboard contains only two healthy big men: Jaxson Hayes and two-way player Colin Castleton.

Lakers’ star Anthony Davis has also indicated that he would like to share court time with another big man, and so Valanciunas adds to the desperation in the center hunt.