In recent days, the trade mills have spun a devious plot against the Los Angeles Lakers. With LeBron James being absent for “personal reasons” against the Timberwolves, there is a growing sensation about him possibly ending his time in LA. However, while that’s news for another day, there have also been reports about the Purple and Gold searching for upgrades as the trade deadline closes in. And there is one move they might strongly consider.

The Lakers have been a terrible rebounding team, ranking 27th in rebounds per game. The excessive pressure on Anthony Davis has also caused some health concerns. With both Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes injured, the Lakers have been linked with the Wizards’ Jonas Valanciunas.

However, there was also a conflicting report that jeopardized these chances. The Wizards are reportedly looking to retain the veteran center. Still, in his breakdown for Clutch Points, Anthony Irwin the news is “clear posturing”. From his digging around the circuits, he reports that Rob Pelinka has already approached the Wizards in the past.

“According to those I’ve spoken to with knowledge of the situation, Washington and L.A. have already held preliminary talks about a Valanciunas deal, and the expectation is for those talks to ramp up once he can be traded” Irwin claims in his Clutch Points story.

That date is December 15. With the Wizards relatively young and far from competing, a move to a big market could appeal to Valanciunas. The fundamental center is averaging 12.6 points off the bench, a number that appeals to the Lakers who have the second-worst bench in terms of scoring output.

Likewise, with reports of there being talks in the past, Pelinka might raise the intensity of negotiations when he becomes eligible in December. According to Irwin, it will need multiple second-round picks, Gabe Vincent, and any minimum-salary player. A prize the Lakers wouldn’t mind spending to deepen their roster.

Jonas Valanciunas could play a massive role for the Lakers

Thus far, the Lakers have had a few areas of struggle that have enabled opponents to exploit. Due to the lack of size, their rebounding numbers are among the worst in the league. With Jonas Valanciunas, that is one aspect of the puzzle they can hope to solve. In just 20 minutes per game, the 32-year-old is averaging 8 rebounds for Washington.

Of those, 2.5 rebounds come on the offensive glass. That’s a mark Anthony Davis averages while playing close to 38 minutes per night. Playing with pace and energy is something JJ Redick has prioritized. Valanciunas can provide the Purple and Gold with valuable additional possessions and prevent opponents from out-rebounding them.

But the biggest advantage is the versatility the traditional center can offer. With Valanciunas a pure center, it paves the way for a variety of lineups. Davis can play his preferred role as a power forward. It opens up the opportunity to play a bigger lineup with better spacing.

Having Valanciunas will also allow Anthony Davis to get rest with a reliable backup center. It strengthens the second unit giving D’Angelo Russell a reliable running partner that can benefit from his efficient playmaking. It by far isn’t the fix to all of the Lakers’ weaknesses. However, it does address one of it’s major troubles.

A move for Jonas Valanciunas could potentially take them from a middling team to a formidable playoff team.