NBA rumors: Why Lakers haven’t made Jonas Valanciunas trade yet
“The Wizards have pushed for more draft capital than the Lakers have been interested in giving up and also pursued Russell’s expiring contract.”
After the Lakers traded away D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, this might be a done deal. However, the franchise can still use a center like Valanciunas. His rebounding, physicality, and increased scoring can take pressure off of Anthony Davis. Plus, it allows Davis to focus solely on the defensive side, which he’s been dominant.
However, they might not be interested in a non-versatile center. The scoring might be nice, but his lack of lateral movement and rim protection is quite glaring. Davis is a fantastic defender, but it’s unrealistic to be the only one to defend the interior at a high level. Luckily for the Lakers, there are other routes they could go if Valanciunas is a no-go