The Los Angeles Lakers are getting ready to enter the brand new NBA season with nearly the identical staff they’d on the finish of final yr’s playoffs. Regardless of being eradicated within the first spherical of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles has been pretty quiet this offseason.
Nevertheless it’s not for lack of making an attempt. The administration has known as on a number of high-level gamers this summer time, however nothing has come of it but.
Basic supervisor Rob Pelinka has advocated persistence with the roster, however at this level, the staff does not look like an actual contender for a title. Whereas the Lakers nonetheless have stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the roster is much behind different NBA groups.
However there’s some hope for the following commerce deadline in February.
Based on ESPN NBA insider Dave McMenamin,There’s one large star participant who may very well be a reputation to look at for the Lakers. That’s Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards, a participant Los Angeles confirmed curiosity on this summer time.
“A reputation to look at: Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards. James provided a wage lower to open the mid-level exception to signal the big-time free agent, however he opted for extra assured cash on a three-year, $30 million deal in Washington. Nonetheless, the Lakers want a middle, the Wizards do not look like a contender this season, and Lakers vice chairman of basketball operations and basic supervisor Rob Pelinka has a confirmed observe document of constructing offers with the Washington group.”
Valanciunas’ arrival could be a great factor for the Lakers, however it will even be a reminder of how ineffective the staff was this offseason. They might have gotten the large man free of charge by signing him outright in the event that they have been keen to open up wage and roster spots.
However it will be fascinating to see him signal a team-friendly deal to play alongside Davis within the frontcourt. Final yr with the New Orleans Pelicans, Valanciunas averaged 12.2 factors, 8.8 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists per sport. He additionally shot 30.8 p.c from past the three-point line, nicely under his typical common.
Valanciunas has shot 34.8 p.c from three-point vary in his profession, so he might assist the Lakers discover a large man who can transfer across the courtroom. That may very well be one of many lacking items for the Lakers if they will land him on the deadline.
They must enhance the staff not directly, with the Lithuanian large man being top-of-the-line choices.
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