Lakers Linked to Trade for Physical Starting Center to Straighten the…

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly still in the market for additional roster upgrades. Rob Pelinka recently made a four-player deal that sent D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in return for Dorian Finney-Smith. However, JJ Redick’s team continues to lack quality in the middle of the floor.

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Lakers are expected to continue pursuing Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards. Scotto noted that the Lakers could turn their attention to ‘another backup big man’ before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

“Having acquired the wing defender they sought in Finney-Smith, the next item for the Lakers on their list is a backup center,” Scotto reported. “The Lakers will continue to try and acquire Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas or another backup center on the trade market with their remaining future second-round draft capital, and Gabe Vincent is expected to be dangled in talks as well, league sources told HoopsHype.”

Valanciunas is the type of burly big man Anthony Davis thrives next to. Davis has often been at his best when playing as a power forward next to a physically imposing center. It’s no coincidence that the Lakers’ last championship came when pairing Davis and Dwight Howard together in the front court.

It’s clear that the current Lakers roster isn’t talented enough to contend for a championship. Finney-Smith’s addition will undoubtedly help improve the rotation. However, Redick’s team needs a more considerable injection of fresh talent.

In a recent article for The Athletic, Jovan Buha noted the Lakers are expected to ‘scour the market’ as we get closer to the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Pelinka still has multiple draft picks and young players he can use as trade chips.

“As for what’s next, the Lakers will continue to scour the trade market ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline for potential upgrades, according to team and league sources,” Buha wrote. “But the plan, for now, is to see how Finney-Smith looks with the group, get their injured frontcourt players back (Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood) and continue to assess the roster as the deadline approaches.”

A big man is likely the priority for the Lakers front office. Nevertheless, they would be wise to cast a wide net and explore all potential trade options to improve the current roster.