In the first round of the Western Conference playoffs of the previous year, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers. Denver has eliminated Los Angeles from the post for the second straight season, which only serves to confirm the notion that improvements are required before the Lakers can truly contend.
The Lakers are under pressure to make sure LeBron James has players around him who can support his quest for a fifth title as he begins his 22nd NBA season.
James, who is well-known for his desire to participate in front-office decisions, is said to have a list of trade targets that he would prefer the Lakers to pursue.
On a recent podcast, Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha of The Athletic disclosed that James’s list of trade possibilities for the Lakers includes 12-year NBA veteran Jonas Valanciunas.
“As for how the Lakers feel, there was some interest (in Valanciunas),” Buha said. “LeBron had him on his list. Thus, I believe the Lakers will likely look into that again.”
Valanciunas, who played the previous three seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, inked a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards this offseason.
Valanciunas, who played the previous three seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, inked a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards this offseason.
