The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had the most promising off-season and start to the new season. With only a few games above .500 and the roster lacking some depth in areas, there has been uncertainty as to if the roster is here to stay or be involved in a trade. With the deadline approaching and rumors around the league, it’s safe to say evaluating the lack of depth at center LA has. The organization has been linked to several players, with speculation suggesting the front office will make a move ahead of the trade deadline, hopefully to solidify and put the team in a position to compete for an NBA title.
Lakers Trade Rumors: Jonas Valančiūnas to be Perfect Option
Valančiūnas Player Profile
Jonas Valančiūnas has played 13 seasons with the Raptors, Grizzlies, Pelicans. On July 6 2024, he signed a three-year, $30 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade agreement with the Washington Wizards. Jonas has been a reliable and healthy player through his career playing almost every game averaging 25.6 minutes. On Dec. 15, players who signed in free agency become trade-eligible, which certainly opens up the opportunity for LA to acquire Valančiūnas.
Although, his numbers aren’t quite the best considering he’s on a worse team, it’s safe to say he’s an efficient player. He is tricky to move off of the low block and keeps active on the boards. His career per-36-minutes averages include 13.2 rebounds, with 9.4 coming on the defensive end. Rebounding is something the Lakers have struggled with and could use some dire help in. Averaging a couple of assists a game would rise being alongside the purple and gold. He’s been very efficient scoring 58 percent from the field and converting a personal-best 91.8 percent of his free throws.
Analyzing Value
Versatility
The availability and durability that Valančiūnas brings are key to not only giving the Lakers that much-needed depth, but the option to play Davis at the four. This season, he’s averaging 12 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Adding him to the Lakers would provide the team with a big they can pair with Anthony Davis or be the first big off the bench to play during non-AD minutes. We’ve seen the success on both ends of the floor the Lakers have had with another big man alongside AD. It takes the pressure off of Davis to play 35.5 minutes a game, which he is averaging through his first 19 of the year, preserving his health for a playoff run, if the Lakers make it that far in a loaded Western Conference.
Valuable Price-Tag
Lakers’ reported trade package for Jonas Valanciunas revealed #JonasValanciunas #LosAngelesLakers https://t.co/8JcELCgLKH
— TalkBasket (@TalkBasket) December 4, 2024
Valančiūnas also comes with a pretty valuable price tag. It doesn’t result in the purple and gold having to give up too much. According to Michael Scotto in his most recent HoopsHype article, Los Angeles could look to use a second round pick and guard Gabe Vincent to acquire the big man.
“Vincent has been a disappointment for the Lakers since signing a three-year, $33 million deal due to injuries and inefficient shooting. Los Angeles will look to include him as a salary filler with draft pick compensation in trade talks. Keep an eye on Los Angeles potentially dangling Vincent and future second-round picks to try and land Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, a coveted Lakers target.”
When creating such a deal, it makes it quite enticing for both teams. The Wizards would be receiving a quality, younger guard and draft capital. With a 2-16 record, clearly not in any type of contention, adding a younger player with some draft picks would be a plus for Washington. It also allows for LA to not have to move players in Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves.
Now, we just need to see how serious the Wizards are about moving Jonas Valančiūnas. Rob Pelinka and the organization will be working to see if the trade can get done before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
