3 Centers Lakers should trade for with Jonas Valanciunas potentially out of play

During the early months of the 2024-25 regular season, it seemed as though it was only a matter of time before the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Jonas Valanciunas. The two sides had been linked since the offseason, with LeBron James going as far as singling Valanciunas out as a preferred teammate.

Unfortunately, it appears as though Valanciunas is no longer priced in the range that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is comfortable operating within.

Valanciunas has been a top target for several months, dating back to the period of free agency that yielded no new acquisitions. Unfortunately, the Lakers' prioritization of a patient approach has unfortunately yielded the results of complacency.

According to Michael Wright of ESPN, Valanciunas may now be priced in a way that the Lakers either can't or are unwilling to spend.

"It has been rumored that Los Angeles is hoping to land the Washington Wizards' Jonas Valanciunasas it still holds a couple of second-round picks as assets. But Washington's asking price might be too rich for the Lakers, which will surely have competition for Valanciunas' services."

If this proves true, then a question inevitably arises: Who should the Lakers pivot toward pursuing in trade negotiations?

1. Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks

The Lakers have clear needs at the center position. They rank No. 27 in the NBA in second-chance points allowed and No. 28 in points permitted in the paint, and have a well-documented weakness in the area of interior defense against heavier centers.

Compounded by Anthony Davis operating as both a primary perimeter defender and the lone line of defense at the rim, the Lakers need a true interior anchor. Enter Clint Capela.

Capela isn't quite what he used to be, but he remains one of the better rebounders and rim protectors in the NBA. Thus far in 2024-25, he's averaging 9.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.3 offensive boards, 1.3 assists, 1.0 block, and 0.6 steals in 22.9 minutes per game.

Those numbers translate to 15.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, 5.2 offensive boards, 2.0 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.0 steal per 36 minutes.

Furthermore, opponents are shooting 5.4 percent worse within 10 feet of the rim and 8.2 percent worse within six feet when Capela is the primary defender. He's not as effective defending the perimeter as he once was, but playing alongside Davis would certainly help in that regard.

With an expiring salary worth $22,265,280, it's at least worth exploring if a combination of Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and second-round picks could bring Capela to Los Angeles.

2. Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets

Easily the most affordable option on this list, Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards might just be the perfect choice. He's 27, productive, second on the depth chart in Charlotte, signed to an affordable contract, and strong in the areas where Los Angeles is weakest.

There are bigger names with better track records, but Richards would be the epitome of a low-risk, high-reward type of acquisition.

Richards is currently averaging 8.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 offensive boards, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks in just 21.0 minutes per game. Among those who have appeared in at least 20 games, he ranks in the top-25 in the NBA in both defensive and offensive rebounding percentage.

For a Lakers team that struggles to both create and prevent second chances, Richards' strength as a rebounder could prove invaluable.

Furthermore, opponents are shooting 6.4 percent worse within six feet when Richards is the primary defender. That speaks to his ability to meet an opponent at the rim and utilize his size, length, and athleticism to disrupt their attempts.

With two years and just $10 million remaining on his current contract, Richards could be the low-cost answer the Lakers have been searching for.

3. Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks

If the Lakers opt to trade for Mitchell Robinson, there's a chance they'd need to pay a relatively hefty price. Robinson is one of the best rebounders and shot-blockers in the NBA, and the Knicks have him on one of the most team-friendly deals in the Association.

If Los Angeles is looking for a player who can help transform its defense and ideally complement Davis, however, then Robinson would be an excellent target.

Robinson has a frontloaded contract that will pay him $14,318,182 in 2024-25 and $12,954,546 in 2025-26. That's intriguing for a Lakers team that's paying Davis and LeBron James max-level money, and has multiple long-term contracts on the books.

The hurdle: New York is in tax limbo, thus making a third team all but essential to a potential deal being completed and the necessary salaries being sent out of Manhattan.

As far as why the Lakers should pursue this possibility nonetheless, Robinson boasts career averages of 5.2 offensive rebounds and 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes. He's as great as advertised in that regard, with the ability to create second chances and protect the rim at a legitimately elite level.

A trade could require the Lakers to part with Rui Hachimura or a first-round pick, but with the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, this is a hypothetical deal worth considering.