New Lakers Trade Target Option Emerges in Recent Report

The Los Angeles Lakers have been a consistent topic of discussion this offseason. Even though they were interested in a bunch of players, they failed to make any outside acquisitions.

The Lakers only re-signed LeBron James before adding Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Before free agency kicked off, LeBron gave the Lakers a short list of players he was willing to take a pay cut for. Jonas Valanciunas, James Harden, Klay Thompson, and DeMar DeRozan were the players on the list but Los Angeles failed to bring any of those guys to town.

Now the latest report reveals the Lakers may add one of these guys sometime next season.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst was on his show "Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective" podcast where he said he wouldn't be shocked if Valanciunas ended up in Los Angeles.

"I wouldn’t rule out Jonas Valanciunas eventually ending up a Laker this year, that’s all I’m gonna say."

- Brian Windhorst

Valanciunas signed with the Washington Wizards in June on a three-year, $30 million deal. That is a bargain of a contract, and the Lakers should jump at the chance to acquire him for the right package.

The 32-year-old is a beast on the offensive glass and has such a soft touch with either hand around the rim. He can occasionally space the floor and be effective in the pick and roll.

In his career, he averages 13.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and shoots 56% from the field. He's someone that LeBron would love to play with. In addition, he would allow Anthony Davis to play the four and give him the ability to roam more freely.

This is something to monitor for Laker fans when the season rolls around. Hopefully, they can pull the trigger on a trade and improve the roster.

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