Lakers rumors: L.A. planning perfect trade for their dream trade target

The Los Angeles Lakers are anxiously awaiting the arrival of December 15. On that day, all players who signed new contracts during the 2024 offseason will become available in trade discussions, including Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas.

A Lakers target since the summer, Valanciunas represents everything the Lakers are missing at the 5 spot—and the path to acquiring him has been revealed.

Valanciunas signed with the Wizards in July on a three-year, $30.295 million deal. It's one of the best bargain contracts in the NBA, with a cap hit of just $9.9 million for the 2024-25 season and a non-guaranteed third season at just $10 million.

According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Lakers plan to acquire Valanciunas and his team-friendly salary by offering a package centered around Gabe Vincent and multiple second-round draft picks.

"Keep an eye on Los Angeles potentially dangling Vincent and future second-round picks to try and land Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, a coveted Lakers target."

Lakers to offer Gabe Vincent, second-rounders for Jonas Valanciunas

Valanciunas, 32, is off to a strong start to the 2024-25 season. He's currently averaging 12.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 offensive boards, 2.2 assists, and 0.7 blocks in just 20.0 minutes per game, shooting 58.1 percent from the field.

Those numbers translate to 21.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, 4.0 offensive boards, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks per 36 minutes.

Widely and appropriately regarded as one of the best post scorers in the NBA, Valanciunas has the skill set and size the Lakers need. He can back opponents down on the low block and finish through contact, and boasts a career mark of 79.1 percent at the free throw line.

Valanciunas also thrives in creating second chances and has the 265-pound frame and massive wingspan to prevent heavier players from dominating the interior.

The Lakers, meanwhile, rank No. 26 in offensive rebounds, No. 27 in points allowed in the paint, and No. 29 in bench points per game. They've consistently struggled against heavier players who throw their weight around inside, whether it be post scorers or offensive rebounders.

Valanciunas has the skill set, size, and strength to address all three of those flaws in one fell swoop—at a potentially reasonable price.

Knowing what the Lakers plan to offer doesn't necessarily mean the Wizards are prepared to accept it. It's certainly within the realm of possibility that Washington will ask for more, but Los Angeles' starting point is reasonable—and the Wizards may not want to risk keeping Valanciunas for longer than necessary, thus increasing the chance of an injury that could torpedo his trade value.

Regardless of how this saga ultimately plays out, the Lakers already knowing what they're willing to part with offers reason for optimism surrounding a potentially invaluable trade.