The Los Angeles Lakers have been shopping for additional help at the center since long before the blockbuster Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade. Moving on from Davis only exacerbated the need for a big man in the front court. Lakers general manager, Rob Pelinka has been open about the team’s need to trade for a ligament 5.
Los Angeles Lakers Miss On Long-time Trade Target, Ahead Of NBA Trade Deadline
On Wednesday afternoon it was announced that one of the Lakers’ top targets, Jonas Valanciunas has come off the NBA trade deadline big board. The Lakers have reportedly been interested in Valanciunas since November of 2024
The Washington Wizards have agreed to trade veteran center Valančiūnas to the Sacramento Kings, according to reports from The Stein Line and ESPN. In this deal, the Wizards will receive Sidy Cissoko and two second-round draft picks.
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Valančiūnas, who signed a three-year, $30.3 million contract with the Wizards in July 2022, has seen his role diminish this season. With the emergence of rookie center Alex Sarr, the Wizards have prioritized developing their young talent, limiting Valančiūnas’ playing time to just 20.1 minutes per game.
There are no shortage of options available to the Lakers, but this miss certainly reveals the need to be more aggressive in the market as the NBA trade deadline nears.