Lakers Insider Reveals Most Likely LA Trade Target
By Cem Yolbulan
Even though the NBA season is in full swing, Lakers fans are more tuned into trade rumors than the games themselves. The entire fanbase is aware of the fact that this team is not going anywhere unless LeBron James and Anthony Davis are surrounded by a better supporting cast. The defense is a nightmare and the team is playing at a play-in level once again. Expecting that to change with the same roster is a pipe dream.
That leaves Lakers fans wondering what the front office's next move will be. The Athletic's Jovan Buha was asked precisely this question in his latest Mailbag. Replying to a question, "Who are the Lakers most likely to trade for?" Buha said it was Jonas Valančiūnas of the Washington Wizards.
Lakers Insider Identifies Top Lakers Trade Target
Buha added that this was more of an educated guess based on previous reporting. Over the summer, the Lakers' interest in Jonas Valančiūnas was widely reported before the Lithuanian big man signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Wizards. In fact, James had reportedly indicated that he would be willing to take a pay cut in his contract extension if the Lakers could bring in the scoring center.
On December 15, any player who signed a contract with a new team in the offseason becomes eligible to be traded. This includes Valančiūnas, who is currently averaging 12.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in 20.3 minutes of action.
The Lakers desperately need more depth in the frontcourt, so their interest in Valančiūnas can be understandable, at least on paper. However, the Lakers also need more defense and shooting, two areas the 32-year-old big man doesn't help in. Playing Valančiūnas next to Davis potentially creates significant spacing issues. He also doesn't protect the rim or get out in the perimeter to guard smaller players, only adding to LA's existing woes on that end of the floor.
If it's going to make James happy, sure, let's trade for Valančiūnas, but if Lakers fans think he is a panacea to their problems, they should think again.
More Lakers news and rumors:
feed