The Los Angeles Lakers made a big move this weekend when they traded D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis to the Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. But it appears they aren’t done making moves, as according to Michael A. Scotto of HoopsHype, the Lakers are going to try and trade for Jonas Valanciunas, or other bigs should they not land him, and even offer Gabe Vincent in the package.
“Having acquired the wing defender they sought in Finney-Smith, the next item for the Lakers on their list is a backup center. The Lakers will continue to try and acquire Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas or another backup center on the trade market with their remaining future second-round draft capital, and Gabe Vincent is expected to be dangled in talks as well, league sources told HoopsHype.”
This comes just days after a report suggested that there has been nothing stopping the Lakers from completing the trade for Jonas Valanciunas, and they could have landed him already if they really wanted him. The report added that any deal from the Lakers to land Valanciunas was now unlikely.
It appears the Lithuanian big man is back on the Lakers’ radar. One has to question the wisdom of this move, as Valanciunas, despite being big, is a better offensive player, and is quite weak as an interior defender, which is the Lakers’ big weakness. But it appears Pelinka wants to make this move and get a deal done soon.
The Lakers might be better off landing Walker Kessler, whom we at Fadeaway World predicted would be their next massive trade, along with Collin Sexton. But it appears Danny Ainge is reluctant to help the Lakers as the Jazz own their 2027 first-round pick. Perhaps this is why they have turned to Valanciunas again.
Valanciunas Reacts To Trade Rumors
Speaking to the New York Post about the trade rumors surrounding him, Jonas Valanciunas noted that he isn’t aware of what his future holds. But he seems to be okay with whatever happens and is currently focused on the Wizards, and improving daily. He also praised the Washington Wizards‘ young core for motivating him to get better.
“What can happen in the future, maybe tomorrow, maybe even today, I don’t know. If it happens, it happens. It’s a young team still putting the pieces together. Everything can happen…”
“They wanted me, they showed some trust in me, so I’m happy here… You’ve got to stay patient. But we get better, we practice and the young guys drive me to get better, too. I feel the kick in my ass to practice and get better and work on my skills. So I’m taking advantage from that.”
Valanciunas is currently having an average season, averaging 11.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 55.7% from the field, 15.8% from range, and 91.3% from the free-throw line. With those defensive stats and an overall defensive rating of 114.0.
The Lakers might be better off targeting Walker Kessler, as he is a far better rim-protecting big, and that is what their team needs. But Valanciunas is at least going to be a strong, contributing presence on the Lakers should they make the trade.
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