The Los Angeles Lakers window to make another trade has opened up again with the trade deadline rapidly approach. It seems every year comes with circulating news regarding LA trying to make a roster change as they did by acquiring Dorian-Finney Smith. With scrutiny and several big men for the purple and gold dealing with injuries, it leaves analysts predicting a trade for another center. As there have been several centers linked to a trade with LA, that window seems to be closing as talks have not ramped up.
Lakers Trade Window to Signing a Center Closing
The Lakers currently are 18-13, tied for the sixth-best record in the Western Conference. This may suggest another trade could help them down the line. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a trade is imminent, but the interest in adding another center would be quite helpful. Injured players like Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, and now with Anthony Davis‘ recent injury on Christmas against the Warriors, the frontcourt depth is slim heading into next year. We will see if the purple and gold are going to continue to be patient or start making offers for the center prospects before the trade deadline.
Jonas Valančiūnas
After continuously being linked to the Washington Wizards center, that window may be closing as the Lakers could have previously traded for him. Lakers insider Jovan Buha reported on his recent video that the Lakers could have traded for Jonas Valanciunas but chose not to.
“The fact that they haven’t, that is making me feel with each passing day it’s probably less likely that Valančiūnas ends up a Laker.”
The 31-year-old is known for his offensive capabilities, averaging 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this season while shooting 55.9% from the field. He seems to be a great option as they wouldn’t have to sacrifice a lot in order to acquire the big man. However, the Lakers are continuing to take the patient approach and looking to find a better fit in their eyes.
Walker Kessler
Another name linked with the Lakers has been Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler. The team has reportedly turned down multiple offers for the young center from opposing teams. That’s not the greatest news for the Lakers, as throughout the season, we have seen continuous news circulating around his name. Kessler has the size and defensive presence the Lakers desire. He is also a young piece the team could keep around for the future at just 23 years old. He would be a costly addition, but something Rob Pelinka and the front office should go for to acquire. Unfortunately with time moving forward, it seems the Jazz won’t want to move the center anytime soon.
Robert Williams
Robert Williams is another option for the Lakers, but he might be a bit tougher to acquire. The Portland Trail Blazers reportedly aren’t looking to move him at the moment. Williams is an undersized center, but he provides excellent rim protection and endless energy. The concern with Williams has always been his injury history. The rumors surrounding him has seemed to fade as circulating news never leaned towards the interest of the Lakers acquiring him.
Last Word
Adding a center is an answer for the Lakers current issues heading into the new year. Some of these players names will require a quite expensive price tag in regards to acquiring them. We are to see in the remaining weeks before the trade deadline closes, if these rumors are to be true and if the Lakers will trade for a center.
