The Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards are likely to be linked in trade rumors until the Feb. 6 deadline passes. Both teams were in hot pursuit of Jonas Valanciunas in free agency, with Washington shockingly swooping in and signing the player LeBron James himself targeted.
Fast forward to January and the two sides are once again embroiled in Valanciunas conversations, whether directly or through the outside world.
Valanciunas has been linked to the Lakers in trade rumors and speculation pieces since he first signed with the Wizards. With the passing of Dec. 15, he officially became eligible to be dealt—a truth that's had fans on the edge of their seats despite not knowing what Washington would be asking for.
According to Josh Robbins and David Aldridge of The Athletic, the Wizards are looking for at least one draft pick that projects to have a meaningful impact on the team's future.
"Washington’s front office would want a draft pick (or picks) that would appreciably move the team’s rebuild forward — not, for instance, late second-round picks."
Fortunately, the market being set for Valanciunas doesn't appear to be what the Wizards are asking for—a truth that could benefit the Lakers.
"One league source, whose team is not currently involved with the Wizards in discussions about Valančiūnas, believes that two second-rounders will wind up being the maximum Washington can get for him."
In other words: Los Angeles will find it difficult to meet Washington's asking price, but could ultimately find a way to land their prized target.
Wizards' Jonas Valanciunas asking price set at a meaningful draft pick(s)
Valanciunas, 32, continues to be one of the most productive big men in the NBA. Thus far in 2024-25, he's averaging 11.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.4 offensive boards, 2.2 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 0.5 steals in just 19.8 minutes per game, shooting 55.8 percent from the field.
Those numbers translate to stellar marks of 21.1 points, 14.7 rebounds, 4.4 offensive boards, 4.1 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steal per 36 minutes.
For a Lakers team that ranks 29th in bench scoring and has struggled to generate consistent offense when it isn't created by Anthony Davis, James, or Austin Reaves, Valanciunas' value is clear. He's one of the best post scorers and rebounders in the NBA, capable of creating both second chances and his own looks.
That would certainly simplify the game for a Lakers team that's in dire need of a scoring option that doesn't necessarily rely on the stars or limited number of playmakers in Los Angeles.
Beyond his offensive value, Valanciunas projects to help the Lakers in several key areas on defense, as well. He's not to be confused with a high-level defender at this stage of his career, but areas in which he excels mirror Los Angeles' greatest flaws.
Valanciunas, for instance, ranks No. 7 amongst players who have appeared in at least 20 games in defensive rebounding percentage, while the Lakers are 27th in second-chance points allowed.
For as intriguing as his on-court fit is, the biggest reason for interest in Valanciunas may exist off the court. Davis, the Lakers' franchise player, requested help at center in both 2023 and 2024, but Los Angeles' front office has thus far failed to honor that appeal.
By trading for Valanciunas at what could ultimately prove to be an affordable price, the Lakers could address their on-court issues and show their franchise player how invested they are in his future.