On their recent “Hoop Collective Podcast,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps discussed the Lakers’ ongoing interest in potentially acquiring Jonas Valanciunas via trade later in the season, despite his recent signing with the Washington Wizards.
Windhorst posed the question to Bontemps and fellow cohost Tim MacMahon about the likelihood of Valanciunas becoming available from the Wizards midway through the season. He hinted at the possibility of Valanciunas eventually joining the Lakers this year.
Bontemps responded affirmatively, stating there’s a definite chance Valanciunas could end up with the Lakers or another team besides Washington.
Valanciunas is expected to be a starter for the Wizards this season. However, given his veteran status and the Wizards’ anticipated struggles ahead of a competitive 2025 NBA Draft, he could potentially become a more suitable addition for a championship-contending team like the Lakers.
Last season, Valanciunas played all 82 games for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game with shooting splits of .559/.308/.785.
Thus far in free agency, the Lakers have missed out on their targeted acquisitions, including DeMar DeRozan, who chose the Sacramento Kings over them, and Klay Thompson, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks after leaving the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, Valanciunas, a veteran center known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, signed a three-year deal with the Washington Wizards, a move that surprised some observers.
Los Angeles has re-signed LeBron James and Max Christie from their own free agents but has yet to make any new signings from outside the team. They have seen Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie depart for minimum deals elsewhere in free agency.
