September 2 news, during this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers failed to sign Jonas Valanciunas in free agency, but they might make another attempt in the future. Earlier, renowned sports journalist Jovan Buha mentioned that Valanciunas could be one of the trade targets the Lakers consider going forward, partly because he is on LeBron’s list.
“Obviously, they still have interest in Valanciunas,” said Buha. “He’s on LeBron’s list, so I think the Lakers might consider him again. However, I feel their interest in him may not be as strong as it is for Wendell Carter or a few other players. But I believe Valanciunas would be a mid-to-low-tier trade target for the Lakers.” Valanciunas currently has a three-year contract worth over $30 million with the Washington Wizards; previously, he played several seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans.
During the 2023-24 season, Valanciunas played all 82 regular-season games for the Pelicans, averaging 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game, shooting 55.9% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range. Valanciunas joining the Lakers could help Anthony Davis by creating space at the center position. Over his career, Valanciunas has hit 34.8% of his three-point shots.
During the 2024-25 season, the Lakers might pursue other available centers, such as Wendell Carter, who is 25 years old and much younger than Valanciunas, and currently plays for the Orlando Magic. Last season, Carter averaged 11.0 points and 6.9 rebounds, hitting 37.4% of his three-pointers. In the past year or so, the Lakers have been reluctant to make major trades for a star player while retaining some future draft picks. However, if the Lakers can start strong and both James and Davis remain healthy, it might be worth sacrificing part of the team’s future for a championship run in the 2024-25 season.
Considering James will turn 40 during the 2024-25 season, the Lakers might not have many more chances to compete for a title with their current core lineup. Ultimately, any pursuit of trade targets by the Lakers will likely depend on the price of players in the trade market.