The Los Angeles Lakers have been cropping up all over the NBA trade rumors as they attempt to shore up their team beyond LeBron James and Anthony Davis to ensure a positive push into the playoffs.
The Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas has been one of the biggest targets for the Lakers. The 32-year-old was acquired by the Wizards to help mentor their second overall pick, Alex Sarr, helping him develop on both ends of the court. Additionally, Valanciunas has provided much-needed support in the frontcourt, allowing Sarr to ease into his role as a rookie.
Can The Los Angeles Lakers Land Jonas Valanciunas?
In his recent, NBA Trade Rumor Round Up for Hoops Hype, Michael Scotto described a trade scenario that may unmoor the 6 foot 11 inch Lithuanian out of Washington to southern California.
Keep an eye on Los Angeles potentially dangling [Gabe] Vincent and future second-round picks to try and land Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, a coveted Lakers target.
Vincent has been a disappointment for the Lakers since signing a three-year, $33 million deal due to injuries and inefficient shooting. Los Angeles will look to include him as a salary filler with draft pick compensation in trade talks.
The Lakers have been trying to unload Vincent since last season, even before the coaching change.
Valanciunas has averaged 20 minutes off the bench and in that time he averages 12 points, 2.2 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game. He also adds 5.3 defensive rebounds per game while on the court. The defensive rebounding fills a large gulf that exists between Davis (9) and James (7.1) and the next best rebounder, Rui Hachimura (3.3).
The two-win Wizards would benefit from landing more picks, either to use or package for a big trade themselves.
