Earlier in the offseason, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York said the Los Angeles Lakers were considering moving star Anthony Davis back to his natural power forward position. In order for the team to officially make this move, however, they need to bring in a reliable center who can make an impact on the court. The team drafted Collin Castleton in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, but he is on a two-way contract and likely will not play much during his rookie season. Additionally, Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes are still on the team. However, neither big man is good enough to become a regular starter on the team. Currently, the market for centers is relatively thin. However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently said he “wouldn’t rule out” the possibility of the Lakers adding big man Jonas Valanciunas, likely during next season.
“Anthony Davis, First-Team All-NBA defense this year … looks awesome. And even though he’s, like, almost never looked better defensively, you’ve got JJ Redick out there on the record saying that, ‘We need a bruising center,’” Windhorst said. “[That’s] the reason they went after Jonas Valanciunas. By the way, do we think Jonas Valanciunas will be on offer from the Wizards midway through the season? I wouldn’t rule out Jonas Valanciunas eventually ending up a Laker this year.”
Valanciunas recently signed a three-year, $30 million contract to join the Washington Wizards. The Lithuanian big man spent the last three seasons of his career with the New Orleans Pelicans. In that time, he averaged 14.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
Lakers Could Add 12-Year Center During Upcoming Season
Los Angeles Lakers Eying Another Center Besides Jonas Valanciunas?
In addition to Valanciunas, the Lakers have previously been linked to another big man. Earlier in July, Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports mentioned Orlando Magic big man Wendell Carter Jr. as a potential candidate for the Lakers.
In the coming weeks, the league’s trade market is expected to heat up, and the hope in Lakerland is that once that happens, the team will be in position to make the kind of move that can push them back into contender-hood.
But the pickings are going to be slim. The Lakers have interest in Lauri Markkanen of the Jazz, but likely won’t have enough capital on hand to get him to L.A. The list of other possible targets—from Zach LaVine and Jerami Grant to Walker Kessler and Malcolm Brogdon—likely won’t move the needle much for the Lakers.
One guy of interest, though, who could help the Lakers check a few boxes remains a possible trade target: Magic center Wendell Carter Jr.
Last season, Carter averaged 11 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Adding the 25-year-old would give the Lakers more roster flexibility to move Davis back to power forward.
The Last Word on Jonas Valanciunas
Valanciunas is a solid big man who has plenty of league experience. Signing with Washington was a bit of a surprise as he does not fit their rebuilding timeline. However, he has a very tradeable contract and will likely see himself on a contender within the next year. Whether it is the Lakers or not remains unknown.
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