LA Lakers finally sign big man Jonas Valunciunas for $130 million from Washingon Wizards… Details
Coming off another disappointing postseason loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers need to have a strong offseason in order to get back into championship contention.
After losing to Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers failed to address their frontcourt and the result was another loss in similar fashion in 2024.
With that being the case, the Lakers are expected to prioritize the center position in the upcoming draft and free agency. One option who is available is New Orleans Pelicans free agent Jonas Valanciunas and the Lakers are reportedly interested.
If the Lakers are looking to add a big, bruising center for matchups like Jokic and the Nuggets, then Valanciunas may be the best and most realistic option out there. At 6’11” and 265 pounds, he can play alongside Anthony Davis some and help on the defensive glass while also taking on a bigger role in games that the star center is out of the lineup.
In 82 games with New Orleans last season, Valanciunas averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. He has also worked on his 3-point shot in recent years so can provide some floor spacing, which is important in lineups that include Davis and LeBron James.
It remains to be seen how much money the Lakers will have to spend as that depends on if James and D’Angelo Russell opt in or out, but Valanciunas could be an option for their mid-level exception if his free agent market doesn’t materialize.
The Lakers also own the No. 17 and 55 picks in the NBA Draft that begins on Wednesday, so if they choose a center with either of those picks then they may no longer have a need for someone like Valanciunas.