Lakers Face Surprise Competition for Top Trade Target

After losing three straight, including a disappointing home loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, the Los Angeles Lakers are 20-17. The inconsistency, especially on the defensive end, has been a major issue all season, leading to up-and-down results throughout the campaign.

It's painfully clear that the Lakers are nowhere near being championship contenders as they are currently constructed. They are 13th in offensive rating and 22nd in defensive rating. Their -1.9 net rating for the season, even when LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been healthier than expected, points to a mediocre team.

The trade deadline offers a way out of this rut. With the February 6 deadline looming, Lakers fans are desperately hoping for significant moves to upgrade the roster.

One of the names most often rumored to be near the top of the Lakers' list is bruising big man Jonas Valanciunas. It turns out the Lakers are not alone in their pursuit of the Wizards center. Per Knicks insider Ian Begley, New York is also eyeing Valanciunas ahead of the trade deadline.

NBA Rumors: Knicks Interested in Top Lakers Target Jonas Valanciunas

It seems like Valanciunas is the alternative for Mitchell Robinson in New York. If Robinson returns from his injury and performs well before the deadline, the Knicks may be better off holding onto him. Otherwise, they will be in desperate need of another center. Considering how easily acquirable Valanciunas is because of the rebuild in Washington, the move would make some sense for New York.

The 32-year-old big man was a free agent target for the Lakers in the offseason. He chose to sign with the Wizards for a three-year, $30 million deal. Washington is in asset accumulation mode and should be willing to part ways with Valanciunas for a couple of second-round picks.

Whether the Lakers should give up draft capital for an aging backup center with defensive limitations, is an entirely different question.