The Los Angeles Lakers suffered two desultory losses in Texas this week, falling to the Rockets and the Mavericks in back-to-back games. Despite the Lakers still sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference, these losses made it even more obvious that this team is nowhere near a championship level.
Dorian Finney-Smith is a valuable addition and he will make a difference as the Lakers try to make a deep postseason run in the spring. However, the veteran forward alone is not enough for Los Angeles to turn this team around.
So, Lakers fans have been desperately hoping for more trades to improve the roster. The frontcourt rotation has been especially poor behind Anthony Davis. The injuries to Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, and Jarred Vanderbilt put a ton of burden on AD. Hayes is back, and Vando is about to return but the Lakers obviously need more bodies in their center rotation.
That is why veteran big man Jonas Valanciunas has been a rumored target for a while. It was reported over the offseason that the Lakers targeted him but lost the sweepstakes to the Washington Wizards. The Lakers have been trying to trade for him since but the two sides haven't been able to reach an agreement. Lakers insider Anthony Irwin reported this week that a Valanciunas deal may be unlikely.
"League sources say the Washington Wizards have somewhat relented on their price for Jonas Valanciunas, but the Lakers still aren't thrilled with the idea of using their remaining second-round picks on him and the remaining years left on his contract."
- Anthony Irwin, ClutchPoints
The Lakers are reportedly hesitating to give up draft capital for the Lithuanian center. The 32-year-old signed a three-year, $30 million deal in the offseason. Considering that he would have a limited role in Los Angeles, most likely as a pure backup for Davis in the playoffs, it's understandable that the Lakers don't want to take on that contract while giving up draft assets.
The silver lining here is that it could force the Lakers to target better fits. Valanciunas could have played a role soaking up minutes at center during the regular season but the Lakers need someone who is a better defender and can play next to AD. Perhaps this increases the likelihood of trading for such a player.
