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Lakers Set To Make Blockbuster Trade This Week?

Lakers Set To Make Blockbuster Trade This Week?

The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a much better start under new coach J.J. Redick than most imagined they would.

After 15 games, the team sits at 10-5 on the year and looked primed to make a legit run in the Western Conference.

Because L.A. looks like a viable contender, the expectation all along has been that the front office will make a big move to solidify that position.

On Friday, a report emerged suggesting that Rob Pelinka might make a move as soon as this week.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers’ top priority right now is adding a big man.

“They have said this for a while, and I’ve reported this: they are actively looking for a big man to add to that lineup,” he said Tuesday on The Pat McAfee Show.

“Who could that be? But they have assets to play with, they have contracts to play with.”

A few days later, NBA insider Jake Fischer clarified who L.A.’s primary targets are.

Among them: Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards, who according to Fischer is “definitely available for trade.” The Lakers also have interest in one other prominent big man, but the asking price may be too high.

Los Angeles is one of three teams interested in Robert Williams III, per NBA insider Brett Siegal.

“The Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Sacramento Kings have held interest in the Portland Trail Blazers’ big man dating back to the offseason,” he wrote.

The reality of the situation is that Valanciunas has been the Lakers’ likeliest target all along. And with the Wizards sitting at 2-12 through 14 games, there is no reason for them to try and hold on to their big man.

It is in everyone’s best interest to move faster.

Will the Lakers and Wizards be able to work out a deal for Valanciunas this week? Time will tell.

Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
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