The Los Angeles Lakers have a few roster needs right now, and some feel their biggest need is another legitimate center outside of Anthony Davis. New head coach JJ Redick has admitted they would love to get a big, bruising center at some point.
To that end, one of their main free agent targets this summer was rumored to be Jonas Valanciunas, a lumbering 6-foot-11, 265-pound center. However, he chose to join the Washington Wizards, arguably the worst team in the NBA, on a three-year, $30 million contract.
It would seem like he is going to be in the nation’s capital for at least a little while. But NBA reporter Brian Windhorst said something intriguing about Valanciunas while on “The Hoop Collective” podcast.
“I wouldn’t rule out Jonas Valanciunas eventually ending up on the Lakers this year,” said Windhorst. “That’s all I’m going to say “
"I wouldn't rule out Jonas Valanciunas eventually ending up on the Lakers this year. That's all I'm going to say "
– @WindhorstESPN reacting to Lakers head coach JJ Redick saying they need a bruising Center
[via https://t.co/ngKWV73dLD] pic.twitter.com/RmpHrb7aVl
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) July 20, 2024
Valanciunas isn’t a big-time shot-blocker, but he has career averages of 13.4 points and 9.5 rebounds a game. He also has a lifetime efficiency of 56.1% from the field, and he is a good free throw shooter who has improved his 3-point stroke over the last few years.
Lakers fans would likely be thrilled if he somehow finds his way onto the team’s roster in the coming months.
