After missing out on Jonas Valanciunas in free agency, the Lakers aren’t giving up their pursuit of the veteran center. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Los Angeles remains one of the teams most interested in acquiring the Wizards big man once he becomes trade-eligible on December 15.
The Lakers’ offer appears straightforward: Gabe Vincent and future second-round picks. Vincent, who signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Lakers, has struggled to make an impact due to injuries and poor shooting. For the rebuilding Wizards, currently sitting at 2-16, this could be an opportunity to add draft capital while moving a veteran piece.
Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The financials work in the Lakers’ favor too. The proposed deal would actually save them about $1.1 million – significant breathing room considering their proximity to the second apron line.
Valanciunas, averaging 12.0 points and 7.6 rebounds across 18 games this season, could fill the Lakers’ need for a big, bruising center. While his lack of floor spacing might create some challenges alongside Anthony Davis, his presence would give the Lakers crucial frontcourt depth and a reliable option during non-AD minutes.
The Lakers’ 12-8 record suggests they’re playoff contenders, but adding quality pieces like Valanciunas could be crucial for a championship push. With Rob Pelinka working the phones ahead of the February trade deadline, the question isn’t about the Lakers’ interest – it’s whether they can outbid other suitors.
The interesting coincidence? The Lakers could have signed Valanciunas outright this summer before he inked his three-year, $30 million deal with Washington. Now they’ll likely have to part with assets to land their target. Sometimes in the NBA, you have to pay a premium for a second chance.
As the December 15 trade window approaches, all eyes will be on Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office. While Valanciunas might not be the perfect solution to their frontcourt needs, he represents the type of veteran presence that could bolster their championship aspirations. The price tag may be steeper than it would have been this summer, but for a Lakers team looking to maximize LeBron James’s remaining window, waiting for the perfect deal might be more costly than paying a premium now.
