The Los Angeles Lakers have started the new 2024-25 NBA season off with an encouraging record of 10-5. They have looked much more competitive than many would have expected, considering that the team's front office brought back almost the same roster as last season.
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Los Angeles was bounced out of the playoffs in the first round last year, but the Lakers believed things would be different this time around — even with much of the same roster. The team added a new head coach in JJ Redick to help fix the problems.
So far, Redick has made the Lakers look good, but the roster likely needs more talent if they want to contend for another title. One of the biggest weaknesses for Los Angeles is in the frontcourt.
The Lakers have been looking around the league for frontcourt help and they reportedly have an eye on landing a center before the trade deadline. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Los Angeles has a few names in mind.
"[Washington Wizards center] Jonas Valančiūnas is definitely a name that you continue to hear bandied about as a Lakers trade target... Jonas Valančiūnas is definitely available for trade in Washington, we've said that here before, we're going to say that again until he is moved, until he is potentially moved let's say before the Feb. trade deadline. One name that people have thrown out so far when you talk to scouts who they could potentially go to... [Portland Trail Blazers center] Robert Williams III, the return to health, return to the court center in Portland."
Valančiūnas has been linked to the Lakers since the offseason and his name has continuously come up for Los Angeles. The veteran big man is currently on a very team-friendly three-year, $30 million deal with the Wizards, making a potential trade between the two sides easier.
The big man is averaging 12.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game. Valančiūnas is more of a scoring big man rather than a strong defender but pairing him with star Anthony Davis could do the Lakers wonders.
If Los Angeles were to go after Williams III, it would be more for his energy off the bench and defensive presence. Despite being undersized, Williams III is a good defender and strong rebounder.
Williams III has played in six games for the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 10.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. His presence behind Davis would benefit the Lakers more but it would likely cost more to land him.
Either option would be good for the Lakers if they want to improve their frontcourt before the postseason. Los Angeles wants to maximize the final years of the Davis, LeBron James pairing so adding another center could make a world of difference in the end.
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