The Lakers are targeting Robert Williams III and Jonas Valanciunas in a bid to bolster their struggling frontcourt before the trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring potential trades for two impactful centers, Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers and Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards, as per NBA insider Evan Sidery. With their roster struggles mounting, particularly in the center position, the Lakers are actively seeking reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline.
The Lakers’ lack of depth at the center position has been a glaring issue all season. Anthony Davis, their All-NBA big man, has been carrying the majority of the workload in the paint.
However, the team has struggled to find a reliable backup to support him. Jaxson Hayes, who was signed in the offseason, has played only 11 of the team’s 25 games, while Christian Wood has yet to feature due to lingering fitness concerns. Rookie Christian Koloko has appeared in 15 games but has had minimal impact, averaging just 2.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in limited minutes.
This lack of depth has significantly impacted the Lakers' performance. They currently sit at 13-12, having lost 8 of their last 11 games. Their offense has stagnated, and their defense has been exposed, especially against teams with dominant frontcourt players. This has prompted the front office to actively pursue a trade for a reliable center who can provide an immediate impact on both ends of the court.
Robert Williams III, nicknamed "The Time Lord," is one of the Lakers' primary targets. Known for his elite shot-blocking and rim-protection skills, Williams would bring much-needed defensive stability to the Lakers. He’s averaging 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game this season, despite playing limited minutes due to Portland’s roster construction and a return from injury.
Williams' athleticism and ability to guard multiple positions would complement Anthony Davis perfectly, creating a formidable defensive duo in the paint. However, his injury history is a concern, as he has struggled to stay consistently healthy throughout his career. If the Lakers pursue Williams, they’ll need to weigh his upside against the risk of potential absences.
Jonas Valanciunas offers a different skill set than Williams. The Wizards' veteran center is a reliable scorer and rebounder, known for his physicality and ability to stretch the floor with his mid-range and three-point shooting. This season, Valanciunas is averaging 12.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 56.4% from the field.
Valanciunas would provide the Lakers with a more traditional big man who can dominate the boards and serve as a consistent offensive option in the post. His experience and durability make him an attractive target for a team looking to stabilize its rotation. However, his slower defensive foot speed could pose challenges in the Lakers' fast-paced system.
Reports suggest that the Lakers have already offered a trade package for Valanciunas and are also engaged in talks with the Washington Wizards regarding potential moves.
As the Lakers sit precariously in the 10th seed in the Western Conference, their need for a game-changing move is urgent. Acquiring either Williams or Valanciunas would address their frontcourt depth issues and help alleviate some of the pressure on Anthony Davis. Whether they opt for Williams' defensive prowess or Valanciunas' offensive consistency, the Lakers’ decision could have a significant impact on their postseason hopes.
With the trade deadline looming, the Lakers will need to act swiftly and strategically to secure one of these big men. Their front office must find a balance between improving the current roster while preserving future flexibility to remain competitive in the long term.
