It's common knowledge in NBA circles that the Los Angeles Lakers are in the market for a veteran center to improve the depth at its thinnest position. The question that has yet to be answered, however, is what style of player the Lakers are looking for.
In a recent live stream that centered around NBA trade rumors, an insider revealed two names whom Los Angeles is interested in—and may have thus answered that elusive question.
Anthony Davis submitted a well-documented request for help at center in 2023 and has since reiterated his desire for help in 2024. Unfortunately, the Lakers haven't executed the trade that would not only appease their franchise player, but potentially improve the roster—yet.
During a live stream on Bleacher Report, NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed that Los Angeles has expressed trade interest in two veteran centers: Brook Lopez and Jonas Valanciunas.
"The center spot is a spot that we know Los Angeles has been looking to upgrade and will be looking to upgrade...Brook Lopez is someone who was on the Lakers' list of potential center targets this past summer. Jonas Valanciunas is another name I would keep an eye on for the future there."
That doesn't necessarily mean that a trade is imminent, but the interest in Lopez and Valanciunas could go a long way toward revealing the type of talent Los Angeles is interested in.
Lakers interested in trading for Brook Lopez, Jonas Valanciunas
Lopez played for the Lakers during the 2017-18 season and often found himself under fire for what was deemed insufficient play. The lack of patience proved to be disastrous, however, as he immediately went on to become a key piece of the championship puzzle with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Since leaving the Lakers, Lopez has won a title and earned two All-Defense nods while solidifying his status as the prototypical 3-and-D center.
In the six completed seasons since he left Los Angeles, Lopez has averaged 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 offensive boards, 1.2 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 1.8 three-point field goals made per game. He's helped anchor Milwaukee's defense while spacing the floor at an elite level based on positional expectations.
As the Lakers desperately search for a big, bruising center who can help Davis anchor the interior, it's easy to understand why the 7'1" and 282-pound Lopez is back on their radar.
As for Valanciunas, the similarities are clear in terms of size, strength, post defense, and offensive versatility. He's not quite the shot-blocker that Lopez has established himself as, but the trade-off appears to be increased production on the glass.
Valanciunas boasts career averages of 18.7 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.9 offensive boards,1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks per 36 minutes—and tallied 18.7 points, 13.5 rebounds, 3.5 offensive boards, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks per 36 in 2023-24.
That metronomic production would provide the Lakers with interior value they simply can't currently find when Davis isn't on the court. In addition to his general production, Valanciunas is one of the most dominant post players in the NBA, ranking in the top five in scoring via post-ups in 2023-24.
Lopez and Valanciunas may not be carbon copies of one another, but the Lakers' interest paints a clear picture of Pelinka wanting to add a strong interior presence who can defend the low post and provide consistent offensive value.