The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason needing a physical center to support Anthony Davis. Jonas Valanciunas, a standout with the New Orleans Pelicans, seemed like a perfect fit. Despite the Lakers’ interest, Valanciunas signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards, seemingly taking him off the market.
However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggests Valanciunas could still land with the Lakers this year. Though he’s not trade-eligible until December 15, the Lakers might explore a trade involving contracts like Gabe Vincent or Jarred Vanderbilt and a draft pick.
Valanciunas, despite a slight dip in stats last season, remains a solid offensive player and rebounder. Adding him could ease Davis’s workload, aligning with Lakers coach JJ Redick’s vision for a “big, bruising” center to match the size of top Western Conference teams like the Nuggets, Thunder, and Timberwolves. The Lakers missed out in free agency, but the possibility of acquiring Valanciunas isn’t entirely off the table.
