As we enter the new year of 2025, the trade deadline for the NBA season is drawing closer. Prior to this deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers, a team under close scrutiny, are planning significant moves. Just a few days ago, the Lakers completed a trade that garnered attention across the league. They traded Russell and others to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for two exceptional role players, Finney-Smith and Milton. This trade marked the beginning of the Lakers' efforts to strengthen their roster this season.
Following this, the Lakers will focus on trading for a center to address their last remaining weakness. The Lakers have been in discussions with the Wizards about a trade for center Valanciunas, with a deal framework already largely agreed upon. However, according to recent media reports, negotiations between the Lakers and the Wizards have been temporarily put on hold. The reason for this is that the Wizards are seeking at least a first-round draft pick from the Lakers, a proposal that the Lakers find difficult to accept, leading to a stalemate in negotiations.
Despite this, the Lakers have not given up on the possibility of acquiring Valanciunas. A center like Valanciunas, who possesses height and excellent skills, could provide significant assistance to the team. Shortly after media reports revealed the temporary halt in trade talks between the Lakers and the Wizards, negotiations between the two sides were restarted within a day or two. Recently, Michael Scotto, a well-known journalist from Hoopshype, discussed the Lakers' latest developments in his column.
"After securing a wing defender like Finney-Smith, the Lakers' next step will be to continue pursuing a backup center. They will use their remaining future second-round draft picks to pursue Valanciunas or other centers. Additionally, sources indicate that Vincent is expected to remain part of the trade discussions." The journalist wrote. This suggests that the Lakers will use Vincent as the main bargaining chip to attempt to trade for Valanciunas.
Vincent has not been well-received by Lakers fans in recent times. This is because, whether it was due to long-term injuries or poor form upon his return, he has disappointed Lakers fans. However, in recent weeks, Lakers fans have suddenly noticed that Vincent has found his form, with his shooting percentage skyrocketing, making him one of the most stable three-point shooters on the Lakers' bench. It is precisely because of his recent outstanding performance that Vincent's trade value has increased.
In the past couple of days, some fans have noticed a subtle signal: Vincent has not appeared on the court, seemingly benched by the Lakers, which appears to be a prelude to a trade. It should be noted that before the completion of the Russell trade, Russell was also benched. Perhaps, Lakers fans will soon hear news of the Valanciunas trade.