The Los Angeles Lakers were at the heart of a steady stream of rumors during the 2024 period of free agency. All-NBA players James Harden, Chris Paul, and Klay Thompson all surfaced on Los Angeles' radar, yet it was a less-heralded player who stole the most significant headlines.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports that LeBron James was willing to accept a pay cut to create the full midlevel exception to sign Jonas Valanciunas.
Unfortunately, Valanciunas spurned the Lakers and signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards. It was one of the more puzzling decisions a free agent made this summer, as Washington is rebuilding and thus didn't look the part of an ideal destination for a high-level player.
Per McMenamin's aforementioned report, however, Valanciunas signing with the Wizards doesn't necessarily mean that he won't end up in Los Angeles this season.
"One name to watch: Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards. James offered to take a pay cut to open up the full midlevel exception to sign the free agent big man, but he opted for more guaranteed money from a three-year, $30 million deal in Washington."
In other words: There's a strong possibility that Valanciunas signed with the Wizards for more money and job security, but did so with the understanding that he'd be traded by the 2025 deadline.
Lakers could trade for Jonas Valanciunas as soon as the 2024-25 season
One of the worst-kept secrets in Los Angeles is that Anthony Davis wants the Lakers to add depth at center. That isn't necessarily to say that he doesn't want to play the position at all, but instead that he would like to have support down low.
Valanciunas would certainly provide assistance in that regard as one of the most well-rounded and productive centers of the past decade-plus.
Through 12 seasons in the NBA, Valanciunas has accumulated career averages of 13.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.8 offensive boards, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 block in 25.7 minutes per game. That translates to 18.7 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.9 offensive boards, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks per 36 minutes.
For what it's worth, Valanciunas' 2023-24 production was nearly identical to those marks at 18.7 points, 13.5 rebounds, 3.5 offensive boards, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks per 36 minutes.
In terms of how Valanciunas would help the Lakers, the fit begins with his presence on the offensive glass. His 2023-24 average of 3.5 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes would've ranked No. 1 on the Lakers, slightly ahead of Anthony Davis at 3.2.
Considering Los Angeles ranked dead last in offensive rebounding and second chance points, that alone is reason to be intrigued by the fit.
In addition to being a force on the offensive glass, Valanciunas is one of the most skilled offensive players at the center position. He's powerful in the post, skilled with quick feet in limited space, and is capable of scoring from midrange and beyond the arc.
Valanciunas is also the big, bruising center that fits what Lakers head coach JJ Redick is looking for. While not known for his defense, he's certainly capable on that end of the floor, with a 265-pound frame and 7'6" wingspan that makes him tough to overcome in the post.
The question facing the Lakers is how much they'll be willing to give up to acquire Valanciunas come the 2025 NBA trade deadline.