In the world of basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers are always a hot topic of discussion. With star player Anthony Davis potentially moving back to his natural power forward position, the team is in need of a reliable center to solidify their lineup. That’s where the rumor mill starts churning.
According to Ian Begley of SportsNet New York, there have been talks within the Lakers organization about bringing in a new center to complement Davis. With Collin Castleton on a two-way contract and unlikely to see much playing time in his rookie season, the team needs a more established presence in the paint. Despite having Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes on the roster, neither player is seen as a long-term solution at the center position.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst even hinted at the possibility of the Lakers pursuing veteran big man Jonas Valanciunas in the upcoming season. While Valanciunas recently inked a deal with the Washington Wizards, there is speculation that he may not fit into their rebuilding plans. With his track record of averaging double-doubles over the past few seasons, Valanciunas could be a valuable addition to any team, including the Lakers.
Valanciunas, who averaged 14.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in his last stint with the New Orleans Pelicans, would bring a wealth of experience and skill to the Lakers’ frontcourt. His ability to score in the paint and crash the boards would take some pressure off of Davis, allowing him to thrive at power forward once again.
Despite his recent commitment to the Wizards, Valanciunas is seen as a valuable trade asset with his team-friendly contract. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him on a championship contender soon, whether that’s with the Lakers or another team in need of a seasoned center.
As the NBA offseason heats up, all eyes are on the Lakers and their pursuit of a new center. Will they make a move for Valanciunas, or is there another big man on their radar? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the Lakers are determined to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
