The perfect Lakers trade offer for Jonas Valanciunas
It is no secret that the Lakers have been struggling lately. They are in 10th place in the Western Conference with a 13-12 record.
Los Angeles has had to deal with multiple injuries to start the season, as Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes, and LeBron James have all missed games.
Anthony Davis has done well to begin the season, averaging 27/11/3 with two blocks. With Hayes and Wood out, the Lakers have had to lean on two-way contract player Christian Koloko to play backup center minutes.
With this in mind, the Lakers are in desperate need of adding another big to the roster.
Jonas Valanciunas’s name has been floating around since the summer when the Lakers were interested in bringing him in. He then accepted a free agent offer from the Washington Wizards, but now he could be a trade target for the Lakers.
Robert Williams and Jonas Valanciunas are names to watch for the Lakers, per @mcten
“You look at Valančiūnas certainly is a name that’s legitimately still on the Lakers radar and we’ll have to see how Washington seasons go. We have Portland having a really terrible start to the… pic.twitter.com/d8Cc01Baj3
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 13, 2024
Valanciunas’ impact on the team
Valanciunas has backup big minutes for rookie Alexandre Sarr this season with the Wizards. He is playing about 20 minutes a night and is averaging 12 points, along with eight rebounds.
With Valanciunas playing backup center minutes in Washington, if the Lakers were to find a trade for him, he could slide into the starting center position, moving Anthony Davis to play his traditional power forward position.
Then, the team would have to decide to move Rui Hachimura or Dalton Knecht to the bench as Reaves, LeBron, and Davis are solidified in the starting unit.
Valanciunas would provide the physicality this team needs. He has always been a solid rebounder, and this season, he is shooting 56% from the field. Another important underlying stat is that he is shooting 92% from the free-throw line.
“I think we have to circle December 15th. That’s the date when 87% of NBA players can be traded. I think the one player to certainly keep an eye on … Jonas Valančiūnas …”
⁃ Bobby Marks on a potential Lakers move during NBA on ESPN
He suggested Gabe Vincent for Valančiūnas pic.twitter.com/KUehQo7aDi
— The Lakers Review (@TheLakersReview) December 5, 2024
Lakers Trade Offer
Wizards Receive: Gabe Vincent and (2) 2nd-round picks
Lakers Receive: Jonas Valanciunas
Vincent has been a disappointment since joining the Lakers. He had success with the Miami Heat before signing a three-year deal with Los Angeles. The Wizards could use him in the rotation or buy out his contract so that Vincent can join a contending team.
Valanciunas would come in and provide the Lakers with quality minutes night in and night out.
LA needs to make this move now to help a struggling rotation. Valanciunas can be acquired as soon as December 15. Look for the Lakers to make a move soon.
