LA Lakers trade rumors: $33M guard and draft capital involved in potential package for 6-foot-11 center
The LA Lakers are rumored to offer Gabe Vincent and draft capital for Washington Wizards big Jonas Valanciunas. The 6-foot-11 center has been linked with the Purple and Gold since this summer before he inked a three-year, $30 million contract with Washington during the offseason. With LA making its needs clear to have a 'bruising' big to complement Anthony Davis, Valanciunas is now at the center of the trade rumors mills again.
Per a HoopsHype report, the Lakers could offer Gabe Vincent and second-round picks to sweeten the deal to acquire Valanciunas. Vincent inked a three-year, $33 million deal with LA, but has not enjoyed a great run with the side after grappling with injuries and shooting woes. His defense has been a spark at the odd game, but his suiting up has not yielded substantial results so far.
Valanciunas has been averaging 12.0 points (58% from the field), 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists for the Wizards this season. His availability will be key for the side as they also need more frontcourt depth where he can slot in at center, allowing Davis to play the preferred No. 4 position.
While the move isn't necessarily flashy, Jonas Valanciunas is an old-school center with solid rim protection and is a defensive threat in the post. His 3-point shooting isn't lights out, but what he does adds a little more teeth to the Lakers' defense. His durability is an asset and adds to why LA is gunning for him.
Jonas Valanciunas remains tight-lipped about potential trade moves amid Lakers links
On his part, Jonas Valanciunas has remained rather tight-lipped about the buzzing rumors. Speaking to LRT's Augustinas Semelis, he said he didn't have an idea of what was going to happen as far as his Wizards career was concerned.
"There are a lot of rumors, and people get paid to spread them. I don't know anything myself. We'll see."
Also linked to the Lakers is Valanciunas' teammate and former LA forward Kyle Kuzma. With Washington struggling, losing 14 games on the bounce. Should they indeed decide to blow up the roster for a full-fledged rebuild, trading their stars to start afresh would be one way to restructure.
As for the Lakers, it's been a mixed run with the side taking the eighth seed on the roster with a 12-9 record. They have been inconsistent on both ends of the floor and are in dire need of upgrades.