As long as LeBron James is with the team, the Los Angeles Lakers will consistently be in a win-now mindset. This makes free agency one of the most critical periods for the Purple and Gold franchise…
The first major move of the offseason for the Lakers has already been made with the hiring of JJ Redick as their new head coach. With free agency approaching, it seems the team is already preparing for June 30th, when negotiations can start.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports that the Lakers might be targeting a center to complement Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. Fischer mentioned that Los Angeles could be considering New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas as a potential free agent acquisition.
The Lakers, known for their appeal to free agents, would find Valanciunas a valuable addition alongside LeBron James and Davis. Signing the Lithuanian center could allow Davis to return to his preferred power forward role and offer the Lakers greater flexibility in their lineup.
Valanciunas has spent the last three seasons with the Pelicans following a three-year period with the Memphis Grizzlies. During the 2023-24 season, the 31-year-old played all 82 games, averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, while shooting nearly 56 percent from the field.
Standing 6-foot-11, Valanciunas has adapted his game since entering the NBA. Initially known for his presence in the paint, he has developed his shooting range and become a more effective floor-spacing big man in recent years.
