The Los Angeles Lakers have already begun their preseason and are so far 1-2 under head coach JJ Redick.
Record aside, L.A. has played a structured style of basketball, a credit to their detail-oriented coaching staff. Furthermore, since it’s preseason, results have to be taken with a grain of salt. The top players often sit out for parts of or the entire game. For example, Lakers franchise star LeBron James has only played 16.1 minutes per game this preseason and didn’t suit up for the opener. However, there have been issues that have stuck out for Los Angeles.
The primary problem has been their transition defense, with the Lakers surrendering 22.0 fast break points per game this preseason, the fourth-highest mark in the league. However, Los Angeles still lacks enough size on the interior, largely because of injuries to Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt. This has affected their ability to win the rebounding battle and thus control possessions.
With Lakers Still In Market For Center, Who’s The Top Target?
If the Lakers had players with a larger impact on the glass, it could go a long way. Thus, L.A. has “been exploring potentially adding a big man —a center —to their roster,” per ESPN senior insider Shams Charania.
Once again, Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas was singled out as a potential option. “… Let’s see if (he) might become available again during the season,” Charania says. “So, keep an eye on that one.”
Jonas Valanciunas
If the Lakers landed Valanciunas, it would go a long way towards their improvement on the glass. With his size, experience, technique, and warrior mentality, Valanciunas has averaged at least 8.5 rebounds per game over the past five seasons. In 2023-24, he ranked 15th in total rebound percent (18.9). Yet, the 12-year veteran is also a solid scorer and playmaker, particularly out of post-ups. He’s even capable of stretching the floor.
The question about Valanciunas will be how he holds up defensively, as he’s never been particularly agile. However, when Anthony Davis has been at power forward this preseason, Redick has a tendency to run a zone defense. This could minimize the importance of his lateral movement.
If the Lakers do want a bit more defensively though, two options they may want to consider are Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl.
Walker Kessler
The price tag on Kessler —two first round picks —is a bit steep. For those that remember the swing the Cleveland Cavaliers took on Timofey Mozgov on their way to winning a championship in 2016 though, it could be well worth the risk.
Kessler’s an elite shot-blocker at 7-foot-0 and 245 pounds and his arrival could give the Lakers the best frontcourt defense in the NBA. He’s also aggressive on the glass, particularly as an offensive rebounder.
Kessler isn’t a skilled pivot in the mold of Valanciunas. He’s a throwback center who makes simple, winning plays.
Jakob Poeltl
Poeltl is probably the best of both worlds. He’s an above-average interior defender who has both brain and brawn. He has a European flavor on offense, operating as an offensive hub in Toronto. His feel and ability has led to him averaging 12.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game over the past three seasons.
If the Lakers were to ever surrender one or two first round picks for a player who isn’t a star, Poeltl’s probably their man. He doesn’t have as much star power as Valanciunas or even Kessler. Nonetheless, based on their production and play style, that’s probably because he’s underrated.
