The Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards are likely trade partners between now and February’s deadline.
It’s widely known that Washington is looking to move veteran big man Jonas Valančiūnas for draft capital, and LA, needing a center, will likely attempt to convince the Wizards to fork over Valančiūnas for a couple of second-rounders and Jarred Vanderbilt, a deal proposed by Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva on Friday.
“The Lakers have reportedly had their eyes on Jonas Valanciunas as they look to beef up their frontcourt,” Leiva said.
“Word around the league is that Valanciunas could be a legit option for them, especially with his consistent production in the paint.”
“Adding Valanciunas would bring some much-needed size and rebounding to the Lakers’ lineup. He’d give them a strong presence inside to complement AD, plus he’s a reliable scorer in the post. The proposed deal … gives the Wizards a young defensive piece and some draft assets for their rebuild, which feels like a win for them, too.”
“This is one of those trades that makes sense for both sides. The Wizards can keep stockpiling assets, and the Lakers get a veteran big man who can step in and make an immediate impact. It’s not flashy, but it could be a move that helps the Lakers keep pushing in the West.”
The 32-year-old Valančiūnas is in the first year of a three-year, $30.3 million contract. Negotiations might get complicated if the Wizards try to pry a first-round pick away from the Lakers for Valančiūnas.
Whether or not Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is willing to entertain such an idea will depend on how the market for centers shakes out.