If you ask any Los Angeles Lakers fan what the biggest hole in their roster is, a lot of them would most likely say center with their chest before you even finish your question.
Anthony Davis is doing a mighty job as a center/power forward hybrid, but even the biggest Lakers supporter will tell you he’s far from the best option at the five spot. They need a solid big man so AD can do the most damage as the squad’s power forward. Their need for a center has become so painfully obvious that memes about it have sprung up on social media.
They tried bringing the best big they could, but everyone knew that the Purple and Gold badly fumbled the offseason. They have no choice but to resort to the trade market if they want to find a serviceable big man who can complete their starting five before the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Lakers have identified targets they will likely pursue, and one name is especially tempting for the Lakers front office and its fans.
Los Angeles Lakers to make a serious pursuit for Jonas Valanciunas in the 2024-25 season
Hoops Wire’s Ashish Mathur reports that the Lakers are seriously considering gunning for the Washington Wizards big man via trade once the season is fully underway:
According to NBA reporter Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers will “probably” try to acquire Jonas Valanciunas from the Washington Wizards.
“There was some interest obviously,” Buha said on his podcast. “He was on LeBron’s list, so I think the Lakers will probably revisit that.”
Valanciunas’ performance with the New Orleans Pelicans last season makes it clear why the Purple and Gold want him on their roster. He averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in all 82 games last year. The 32-year-old center has proven his mettle against the NBA’s best and will be a fine addition to the Lakers.
Moreover, it also helps that the Wizards signed the Lithuanian for the exact purpose of trading him. They will still dictate the terms of the deal, but they’re more than happy to let him go to LA if they feel Rob Pelinka offered a good enough offer for him.
Los Angeles Lakers fans all over the world hope that the deal will go through, but it’s up to all parties involved to work out a deal that would benefit everyone’s goals.
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