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The Los Angeles Lakers have their new coach, and they have several issues to address on their roster.
They don’t have that much available cash to make big-time moves, especially if they target a third star like it’s been rumored for months now.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean they’re going to just rest on their laurels.
According to a report by Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Lakers could target New Orleans Pelicans big man Jonas Valanciunas.
The Lithuanian center is approaching unrestricted free agency, and, per Fischer, the Lakers view him as a potential free-agent addition (via NBA Central).
The Lakers could target Jonas Valanciunas as their starting center, per @JakeLFischer
“Pelicans center Jonas Valančiūnas, who’s approaching unrestricted free agency, has been another big man often mentioned by NBA figures as a potential Lakers frontcourt addition this summer.”… pic.twitter.com/dZJWjKhWdD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2024
Valanciunas is one of the best rebounders in the game, and he’s a solid pick-and-roll defender as well.
He’s not particularly young, but he’s been quite durable for most of his career, and he could slide right next to Anthony Davis to give them a big and lengthy frontcourt.
The Pelicans have flirted with playoff contention for years now, but to no avail.
And with them reportedly looking to move on from Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson’s constant injuries, it would be wise for Valanciunas to take his talents somewhere else.
The Lakers went from having the 4th-best defense during their late-season run and their trip to the Western Conference Finals to having the 13th-worst last season, and that should be a point of emphasis for them during free agency.
So, don’t be shocked if they make a run at several physical players with a defensive mindset to kick off the JJ Redick era.
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