The Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing trade options as the NBA's trade deadline approaches on February 6, aiming to strengthen their roster.
After recently acquiring two-way wing Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets, the Lakers are still focused on bolstering their frontcourt. According to ESPN's Michael Wright, one of their primary targets is Washington Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas. The 32-year-old veteran is currently averaging 11.7 points and 8 rebounds per game, alongside shooting 55.4 percent from the field. This level of contribution could significantly aid the Lakers as they look for additional depth.
While Valančiūnas would be a strong addition off the bench, reports indicate the asking price from the Wizards may be too steep for the Lakers, who possess some second-round picks as potential trade assets.
ESPN's Bobby Marks chimed in, emphasizing the need for the Lakers to find another big man, especially with the emergence of forward Max Christie now starting. Marks stated, "With the emergence of forward Max Christie... the priority... is acquiring a center who can complement Anthony Davis or back him up." Currently, the Lakers are struggling, ranking among the bottom five teams for points allowed in the paint and second-chance points.
Despite high hopes fueled by the dual-star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have faced challenges since their championship run during the 2019-2020 season. Maintaining a competitive roster is increasingly pressing, especially as NBA teams come to terms with the reality of championship windows closing. LeBron, now 40, continues to be extraordinary, but time is not on the Lakers' side.
Another notable name floated as potential trade bait is Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, with NBA insider Evan Sidery reporting the Lakers have shown interest. Vucevic is currently performing remarkably well, averaging 20.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and shooting 55.8 percent from the field. Should the Lakers successfully land Vucevic, he could start alongside Davis, allowing the latter to reclaim his traditional power forward position.
The Lakers are engaged with more teams than just the Wizards and Bulls; they have also touched base with the Portland Trail Blazers about their center options, showcasing their willingness to evaluate multiple scenarios to add depth.
At the same time, trade rumors surrounding Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns have added another layer of intrigue. Reports indicate Beal may be open to waiving his no-trade clause for the Lakers. John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix noted, "He would waive no trade for LA, Miami, Denver but I do believe there are... few others... work for him." Beal, averaging 17.8 points and shooting 48 percent from the field, could potentially relieve some pressure off of James and Davis.
Nonetheless, maneuvering for Beal proves to be complex, particularly due to salary cap constraints and the need for other teams to facilitate the deal. Trade rules mean the Lakers would have to match Beal's substantial salary of $50.2 million this season, complicate matters, as both teams find themselves above salary cap levels.
Compounding the situation is the broader NBA environment: the Lakers might prefer to focus on acquiring speed and athleticism rather than simply more size, which marks a strategic pivot from their traditional roster-building philosophy. JJ Redick previously asserted the Lakers’ interest in bolstering their size, but the recent buzz hints at potentially prioritizing different skill sets.
The intensity of the Lakers' need for reinforcements is underscored by recent losses, including their latest setback against the Houston Rockets, where LeBron lamented, "We gave up too many second chance points... Offensive rebounds killed us." This loss has brought the urgency for the front office to address these issues before the trade deadline becomes history.
With the playoffs slowly but surely inching closer, the Lakers are pulling all stops to recalibrate their roster successfully. Their window to acquire championship talent continues to wane with the passage of time and the age of their cornerstone players. Decisions made now may define not only this season but the near future of one of the NBA's most storied franchises.