Los Angeles Lakers Get Big Update On Top Trade Target Terms

The Los Angeles Lakers have long been connected with Washington Wizards big man Jonas Valanciunas. This connection has even manifested reporting that said the two sides already had an outline of a trade proposed.

As ESPN’s Bobby Marks astutely observed, the Lakers are likely to actively explore the trade market for a complementary big man as the deadline approaches.

“With the emergence of forward Max Christie in the starting lineup, the priority in Los Angeles is acquiring a center who can complement Anthony Davis or back him up,” Marks wrote. “The Lakers rank in the bottom five in points in the paint and second-chance points allowed.”

Los Angeles Lakers Get Updated Terms On Jonas Valanciunas Trade

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HoopsHype has been informed of what the Wizards trade terms are for the 6 foot 11 Lithuanian.

“Valanciunas is expected to command multiple second-round picks on the trade market, according to various NBA executives who’ve spoken to HoopsHype,” Michael Scotto writes. “As a veteran mentor and backup to Wizards No. 1 overall pick Alex Sarr, Valanciunas has remained an efficient scorer and rebounder, averaging 11.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in only 19.8 minutes per game. Valanciunas is owed $10.40 million for the 2025-26 season and has a non-guaranteed $10 million salary for the 2026-27 season.”

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The previous sentiment was that the Wizard’s asking price was too rich for the Laker’s blood but in light of the new reporting, this deal should be progressing as of the writing of this sentence. But there are other suitors, chiefly the Lakers rivals to the north, the Golden State Warriors, who are also in the market for front court assistance.

“The Warriors have continued their due diligence on the trade market and inquired about potential frontcourt upgrades, including Nikola VucevicJohn CollinsJonas Valanciunas, and Robert Williams, league sources told HoopsHype. Conversely, the chances of Golden State acquiring previously reported wing targets such as Jimmy Butler and Cam Johnson have decreased, sources said.”

The Lakers have also been linked to Vucevic and Robert Williams.