LeBron James has a preference among Lakers’ trade targets

Two centers currently interesting the Lakershttps://t.co/faOJ3rNSex

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) December 20, 2024

The NBA trade season has officially started as teams will look forward to bolstering their rosters before the February 06, 2025 trade deadline.

Speaking of which, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix recently named two centers that the Lakers could trade for in the near future.

“They are on the lookout for a center to fill out that rotation because whenever I see Christian Koloko getting minutes, I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s not good, that’s not who you want playing alongside or instead of Anthony Davis,’” Mannix stated.

He added: “LeBron’s made it clear he likes Jonas Valanciunas. The Wizards are going nowhere, Jonas Valanciunas [is] on a movable contract. I can see them making a run at him.”

Two centers currently interesting the Lakers, LeBron James has made clear he likes one, claims NBA expert
Valanciunas did agree to a three-year, $30M deal with the Washington Wizards in the offseason. But it doesn’t make sense for the veteran center to waste the last few years of his prime on a losing team.

Keeping that in mind, he could be a perfect fit for the LA Lakers’ second unit. Valanciunas averages 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season.

Despite having LeBron James‘ backing, there is a possibility that the Lakers fail to land Valanciunas in a trade before the deadline.

With that said, Mannix believes the Lakers could then focus on Portland Trail Blazers‘ Robert Williams.

“Robert Williams up in Portland, if they can duck tape him together to stay healthy for like a month or two months in a row. He’s on another movable contract as well,” Mannix suggested.

Per Mannix, these are the two guys that the Lakers have expressed interest in. Williams will likely remain second on the priority list for the Purple and Gold.

Since suffering a torn meniscus in 2022, Williams has played in just 15 games. So, he’s certainly not an ideal fit for the Lakers, who are already dealing with injury troubles with Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood.