After a relatively quiet summer for GM Rob Pelinka, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to run it back with mostly the same roster for the second year in a row. But as team insider Dave McMenamin recently explained on ESPN, the Purple and Gold do have plans to make a number of trades before the 2025 deadline, including for veteran big man Jonas Valanciunas.
“One name to watch: Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards. James offered to take a pay cut to open up the full midlevel exception to sign the free agent big man, but he opted for more guaranteed money from a three-year, $30 million deal in Washington,” wrote McMenamin. “Still, the Lakers need a center and Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has a proven record of getting deals done with Washington’s organization.”
LeBron James reportedly made room for the Lakers to sign Valanciunas last month but a contract was never signed after he opted to take a guaranteed deal with the Wizards. It’s natural for the Lakers to consider another pursuit and it could be the one that moves them a step closer to contention.
The Lakers are no stranger to making major mid-season trades. Just two seasons ago, they traded Russell Westbrook and other players at the deadline in a last-minute deal for D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt. That trade turned the season around for the Lakers franchise and booked them a ticket to the Western Finals.
After finishing 7th in the West, and enduring a summer of inactivity, the Lakers aren’t going into next season with a lot of confidence about their standing. With LeBron James at 39 and Anthony Davis being a constant health concern, the Lakers just don’t have a strong enough supporting cast to sustain a long playoff run.
Jonas Valanciunas is not only an achievable target for the Lakers, he’s someone who can make a real difference in the frontcourt. The 6’11” Lithuanian averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game for the Pelicans last season and was an elite defensive anchor under the rim.
While he’s a bit slow on his feet, Valanciunas could make a fine addition for the Lakers and he could thrive in the frontcourt alongside Anthony Davis. Whenever Davis misses time, Valanciunas would be a good substitute for his defensive presence and he may be able to keep the team afloat until Davis recovers.
The important thing with Valanciunas is that he’d be the best center the Lakers have. Without Dwight Howard, Marc Gasol, or a reliable big-man rotation, the Lakers are vulnerable and they may struggle to keep up with some of the bigger teams in the West.
A Valanciunas trade could change that for the Lake Show, but it’ll be easier said than done acquiring him. The 32-year-old is currently on the Wizards and it’s no secret that they are looking for young players and picks in any potential trade — two assets the Lakers are short on.
With limited options available, it starts to make more sense why Rob Pelinka opted to run it back this summer instead of making risky panic moves that would have jeopardized everything. If Valanciunas is available at the right price, the Lakers are sure to consider making a move but they will not hesitate to move on if the bidding war moves beyond their price range.
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