It’s been a quiet offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, with the only roster moves they made being the selection of Dalton Knecht and Bronny James to replace Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie, who left in free agency.
The Lakers were linked to a number of players, however, and It was even said that LeBron James was willing to take a pay cut. if the organization can add one of the few free agents.
One of those players was Jonas Valanciunas, the former New Orleans Pelicans center who was the top big man on the free agent market. The Lakers were unable to land Valanciunas, however, as he opted to sign a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards. Only the first two years of that contract are guaranteed.
While the Lakers didn’t bring him in, it appears their quest for Valanciunas isn’t over. Given that the Wizards are a rebuilding team, they could look to deal the 32-year-old before the trade deadline and LA will be interested, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
One name to watch: Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards. James offered a salary cut to open the mid-level exception to sign the big man in free agency, but he opted for more guaranteed money with a three-year, $30 million contract in Washington.
Still, the Lakers need a center, the Wizards don’t appear to be title contenders this season, and Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has a proven track record of making deals with the Washington organization.
Giving up assets to acquire someone you could have signed in free agency isn’t ideal, but the Lakers may have to do it because they haven’t addressed their need at center this offseason.
The Lakers will enter the 2024-25 season with the same center rotation as last season, except they won’t even have Christian Wood available to start after undergoing left knee surgery.
Valanciunas would be a good fit alongside Anthony Davis as a big man who can defend in the paint, grab rebounds, and stretch the floor a bit. The Lakers and Wizards have a history of working well together in trades, so it will be interesting to see if another deal between the two teams is on the horizon later in the season.
Lakers star Anthony Davis maintains desire to play alongside center
One person who would be happy to see the Lakers acquire another big man like Jonas Valanciunas is Anthony Davis, as per recent reports. indicates he maintains his desire to play alongside a center.
Do you have subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive event coverage, join live broadcasts and much more!
