NBA Rumors: LeBron James' influence leads Lakers to reconsider Lithuanian center
It’s been four seasons since LeBron James and the LA Lakers won their last title in the 2020 NBA Bubble in Orlando. Despite trying its best and going through coaching changes, the team has failed to return to the NBA Finals. In fact, in 2021-22, the Lakers failed to qualify for the postseason.
With an aging James on the roster, who continues to play at a high level, the onus is on the management to surround him with enough talent to compete for a championship. According to reports, LeBron James had a list of players he wanted the team to acquire this offseason. One of the players on that list was Lithuanian big man Jonas Valanciunas.
As per Jovan Buha of the Athletic, the Lakers might not be done playing their cards and could target the center in the trade market:
“There was some interest, obviously. He was on LeBron’s list, so I think the Lakers will probably revisit that. But I don’t think there’s as much interest as a guy like a Wendell Carter or some of these other guys that have popped up. So, I view it more as more of a mid-to-low tier trade target for them.”
As the LA Lakers failed to sign Jonas Valanciunas, he joined the Washington Wizards on a three-year, $30 million deal. The Lithuanian center is not young either at 32 years old; so, if Washington struggles to start the season, he could add pressure on the front office to trade him to a championship-caliber team.
The center spent the past three seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. In 235 regular-season games, he averaged 14.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 blocks. For a big man, Valanciunas was pretty efficient from beyond the arc with a shooting clip of 34.8%.
Klay Thompson was reportedly part of LeBron James’ list as well
One of the biggest free agents in this year’s offseason was Klay Thompson. The shooting guard left the Golden State Warriors after four titles in 13 seasons. When news emerged that Thompson wasn’t re-signing with the team, LeBron James reportedly reached out to him.
As per ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Thompson was one of James’ first phone calls when free agency began. Woj said:
“[Klay Thompson], his agent, Greg Lawrence, at Wasserman are talking with a number of teams, including the Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. They've had conversations tonight. I’m told LeBron James called Klay Thompson right when free agency opened at 6 p.m Eastern—reached out, talked to Klay.”
The plan didn’t work out, though, as Klay Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks for three years. While LeBron James’ ambition of playing alongside Thompson was thwarted, he will, however, have the opportunity to play alongside his son Bronny James. This will be a first in the NBA as no father-son duo previously played together.