Lakers already preparing for trade, have two centers on 'internal board'

After a solid start to the 2024-24 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have come crashing back down. JJ Redick's team is 5-4 over their first nine games. The Lakers have blown hot and cold as a high-level offensive unit, but there is certainly some potential. 

According to veteran NBA writer Marc Stein, the Lakers front office is already exploring ways to improve the roster. One of the team's weakest areas is at the center position. On Sunday, Stein reiterated Jake Fischer's recent reporting that Los Angeles has Jonas Valancuinas and Brook Lopez on their "internal board" of potential trade targets. 

"On a related topic: My colleague Jake Fischer reported on his weekly Bleacher Report livestream that the Lakers, widely believed to be interested in adding a proven center at some point during the season, have Washington's Jonas Valanciunas and Milwaukee's Brook Lopez as potential targets on their "internal board," Stein wrote in his SteinLine newsletter.

Adding a proven center would give the Lakers the additional rim protection and rebounding they need. Furthermore, it would allow Anthony Davis to spend more time as a power forward, which has long been his preferred position. 

A key detail on both Valanciunas and Lopez is that both can shoot the three. They would likely operate as a part of a five-out system, giving the Lakers the necessary space for LeBron James and Davis to thrive around the rim and in the mid-range. 

Rob Pelinka is no stranger to making in-season trades. His moves at the 2023 NBA trade deadline helped catapult the Lakers into the Western Conference Finals. While it's unlikely we will see that same level of trade activity this season, finding the right big man could have a similar effect.

Valanciunas should be the Lakers' primary target. He is younger than Lopez and will have more mobility in his game. The Washington Wizards would likely be more willing to discuss a trade than the Milwaukee Bucks, too, as Doc Rivers' team continues to believe they can emerge as contenders.

Whatever happens, the Lakers have pinpointed an area of need. Now, the front office must find a way to get a deal done. Then, the pressure shifts to Redick, who must prove that he can develop a team that has underachieved since its last championship in 2020.