Lakers Pursuing Jonas Valančiūnas in Trade for Backup Center
Key Questions
What trade is the Lakers pursuing for Jonas Valančiūnas?
They are in active talks to acquire the veteran center before the July 8 deadline.
Why are the Lakers interested in Valančiūnas?
He would serve as a low-cost backup center on an expiring contract after Deandre Ayton's departure.
Which other team is interested in Valančiūnas?
Denver also has mutual interest in acquiring him.
The Lakers are in trade talks to acquire veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas, with a July 8 deadline. Denver also has mutual interest. This would fill the backup center role after Ayton's departure. The move is seen as a low-cost, expiring contract addition. Talks are heating up.
Sources (2)
Updated Jul 6, 2026