The Los Angeles Lakers have designated Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas as a mid-to-low trade target, per Jovan Buha. Valanciunas just left his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans, for the Wizards this offseason.
Valanciunas is a good center, but nothing to write home about. This past season he averaged 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and almost a block a game. He is also an efficient scorer inside, with a 61% field goal percentage.
Currently, being on the Wizards means he is not looking to compete for the playoffs. He was paid well, getting a three-year, $30 million dollar deal. For what he provides, that’s a pretty good contract.
As for the Lakers' interest, they probably want him so they can pair him with Anthony Davis, and put Davis back at his original position, power forward. The Lakers are also looking towards a post-Lebron James era, so signing new role-players to build around Davis and the next superstar they acquire is a good plan.
Whether the Lakers go for Valanciunas or not really depends on how he does with the Wizards. If he performs well, there is a serious chance they try to trade for him.
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