The Los Angeles Lakers have made it no secret that they want to add a starting center ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.
They have been linked to several prominent names.
That said, the most realistic target for L.A. remains the one player they have been linked to since preseason: Jonas Valanciunas.
This week, the Lakers’ offer for Valanciunas leaked out.
West Virginia’s Real Reason For Firing Coach Neal Brown https://t.co/NC1NAvqWHJ
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“Keep an eye on Los Angeles potentially dangling [Gabe] Vincent and future second-round picks to try and land Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, a coveted Lakers target,” HoopsHype reported this week.
Will Vincent and second-rounders be enough to secure Valanciunas for the Lakers? Probably not. But it also likely isn’t their final offer.
If a deal does come together, it will be interesting to see what the final form actually looks like.
Jonas Valanciunas’ Basketball Career: From Lithuanian Prospect to NBA Stalwart
Jonas Valanciunas has established himself as a formidable presence in the NBA since being drafted fifth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2011.
The Lithuanian center has showcased his skills across multiple teams, including the Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and currently, the Washington Wizards.
Throughout his 13-season career, Valanciunas has maintained impressive averages of 13.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.
Standing at 7 feet tall, Valanciunas has built a reputation as a reliable big man with a soft touch around the rim and strong rebounding abilities.
His career highlights include a 39-point game and a remarkable 25-rebound performance, demonstrating his potential to dominate on both ends of the court.
Valanciunas has also proven to be a valuable asset financially, having earned over $137 million in his professional basketball career.
Professional Beginnings and NBA Draft
Jonas Valanciunas’s journey to the NBA began in Lithuania and culminated with his selection in the 2011 NBA Draft.
His early professional experiences in Europe and international competitions set the stage for his entry into the world’s premier basketball league.
Early Life and Eurobasket Contributions
Jonas Valanciunas started his professional career in Lithuania with Perlas Vilnius in 2008. He quickly made a name for himself in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL).
His performances caught the eye of larger clubs, leading to a move to Lietuvos Rytas in 2010.
Valanciunas represented Lithuania in various youth competitions. He showcased his skills at EuroBasket 2011, helping Lithuania secure a fifth-place finish.
His contributions to the national team boosted his profile internationally.
The young center’s dominance in European basketball made him a top prospect for the NBA. Scouts praised his rebounding ability, shot-blocking skills, and offensive potential.
Selection and Rookie Season
The Toronto Raptors selected Jonas Valanciunas with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
This selection marked a significant milestone in his career, transitioning from European basketball to the NBA.
Valanciunas did not immediately join the Raptors for the 2011-12 season. He stayed in Lithuania to fulfill contractual obligations and further develop his skills.
The 2012-13 season marked Valanciunas’s NBA debut. He quickly adapted to the NBA style of play, showcasing his potential as a starting center for the Raptors.
His rookie season stats were promising, laying the foundation for a successful NBA career.
NBA Career and Performance
Jonas Valanciunas has established himself as a consistent and productive center in the NBA. His career spans multiple teams, showcasing his versatility and impact on the court.
Development and Impact with the Toronto Raptors
Valanciunas began his NBA journey with the Toronto Raptors in 2012. He quickly became a key player, averaging 8.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in his rookie season.
His performance improved steadily over the years.
By the 2015-16 season, Valanciunas was posting career-high numbers, averaging 12.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
His efficiency in the paint and rebounding ability made him a valuable asset for the Raptors.
Valanciunas played a crucial role in Toronto’s playoff runs. He showed particular prowess in the 2016 playoffs, averaging 13.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans Tenure
In 2019, Valanciunas was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. His impact was immediate, as he posted career-best numbers with the team.
During the 2020-21 season, he averaged an impressive 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.
The New Orleans Pelicans acquired Valanciunas in 2021.
He continued his strong play, providing stability in the frontcourt. His ability to score efficiently and dominate the boards remained consistent.
With the Pelicans, Valanciunas maintained solid averages. He contributed significantly to the team’s offensive and defensive schemes.
Seasonal Analysis and Notable Achievements
Valanciunas’ career has been marked by steady improvement and consistency.
His field goal percentage has consistently been above 50%, showcasing his efficiency as a scorer.
In the 2021-22 season, Valanciunas achieved a career-high in points per game with 17.8.
He also maintained strong rebounding numbers, averaging 11.4 per game.
Notable achievements include:
- Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2013
- Led the NBA in offensive rebounds per game in 2017-18
- Recorded multiple 20-20 games (points-rebounds) throughout his career
Valanciunas has proven to be a reliable fantasy basketball asset due to his consistent production in points, rebounds, and field goal percentage.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
