The Lakers are in need of a center, which has become a consensus. After the free agency market opens, there are many quality centers available, and among them, the center most closely linked to the Lakers is undoubtedly the Wizards' center, Valanciunas. Opinions on Valanciunas vary among fans. Some believe he is a good fit for the Lakers, while others think he is not suitable. The mainstream view is that he can help relieve pressure on Anthony Davis. So what is Valanciunas really like? Does he suit the Lakers? What changes can he bring to the Lakers?
First, let's talk about why the Lakers need Valanciunas. It's simple; everyone knows the Lakers lack a true number five position player. Anthony Davis doesn't want to play as a center. He has repeatedly mentioned his desire to return to the power forward position. However, the Lakers' management holds a different opinion. Whether it's because they're afraid to spend money, think it's inappropriate, or unnecessary, remains unknown.
But the reason the Lakers need Valanciunas is straightforward. In fact, the most urgent and necessary point is to use Valanciunas to reduce the burden on Anthony Davis and protect him. This is the fundamental reason.
How important Anthony Davis is to the Lakers needs no further explanation. If he gets injured, the Lakers' season is over. Therefore, trading for Valanciunas to help Anthony Davis, even if it's just for five minutes, is very necessary. Having him play five minutes per game significantly enhances his safety. This is the primary purpose and most important thing about trading for Valanciunas.
Another perspective suggests the Lakers don't need Valanciunas. The main reason is that he's considered too old and slow for the Lakers, with not particularly strong abilities. In other words, some fans simply don't rate him highly.
This viewpoint mainly points out that Valanciunas' interior defense isn't ideal, and his abilities aren't outstanding. Trading for Valanciunas wouldn't significantly improve the Lakers overall.
Some also believe the Lakers should rebuild instead of struggling further. With their current roster, even if they trade for Valanciunas, they won't win the championship. If they can't win the championship, there's no point in making pointless moves. This aligns closely with the Lakers' management's thinking.
Now, without discussing whether the Lakers need Valanciunas or if he suits them, let's look at what changes he could bring to the Lakers if he joined them. He's not just a meat shield center; he can do many things.
First, Valanciunas can provide the Lakers with high-quality screens! He has an excellent screening ability. Fans who regularly watch Lakers games may notice that, aside from James, the Lakers lack someone who can truly set screens or set high-quality screens. Moreover, others are unwilling to screen. As a result, we often see the 40-year-old James setting screens for his teammates near the three-point line.
Besides James, Anthony Davis has long legs but seems unable to block opponents effectively. Other players have poor physical conditions, so it's even less likely. James is now very tired, needing to score, organize, defend, and set numerous picks for his teammates. This is indeed very difficult for a 40-year-old veteran. Let's take a look at how Valanciunas performs.
Look at this screen first, regardless of his positioning. With his big frame, he can block almost anything.
See this shot; being physically larger makes a difference. Standing there, the opponent tries to get around him, but by the time they circle around Valanciunas, their own player is already lost.
Second, Valanciunas' enthusiasm is unmatched by Lakers players. Unlike many Lakers players, Valanciunas' characteristic is that after a teammate shoots, he immediately rushes to the basket to fight for offensive rebounds. Compared to the Lakers' Hachimura, it's completely different.
See this ball; after making two consecutive screens, Valanciunas immediately rushes to the basket. This has become a mindset. Have you seen any Lakers player play like this?
See this ball again; this is a habit ingrained in his bones, something subconscious. The Lakers' players are far behind in this aspect.
Third, Valanciunas can bring toughness to the Lakers. Watching the Lakers for a long time, one persistent issue is that the Lakers lack a particularly tough player, meaning they don't have someone who can play the role of an enforcer.
In many championship-contending teams, there's always a player who takes on this role. But the Lakers' players are too kind, with no one capable of doing this. Sometimes, a team needs such actions to boost morale.
Fourth, Valanciunas can wear down the opposing big men. Every time the Lakers face the Nuggets, they end up taking a beating, which has almost become a consensus. But let's be clear; everyone knows the reason: the Lakers can't wear down Jokic at all. Jokic plays against the Lakers as if it's a game of fun, with no one to challenge him, allowing him to jump around freely. Look at this ball; let Jokic know that playing games isn't that easy. Go straight to the intensity.
Howard previously said that the goal of defending Jokic isn't really to stop him but to wear him down, making him uncomfortable. Don't let Jokic turn a regular-season game into a practice session. See how Valanciunas defends Jokic.
Fifth, protecting Davis is key. Bringing in a big center, bringing in Valanciunas, the most critical point for the Lakers is protecting Anthony Davis. If Davis gets injured and can't play, what's the point of the Lakers continuing? They might as well go home and fish.
With Valanciunas, Anthony Davis can rest appropriately in some games. If the opponent is weaker, he can take a break. Additionally, playing fewer minutes per game is significant for player protection. Players are most susceptible to injury when they're most fatigued. Davis currently has no issues, but that doesn't mean he won't in the future. Look at this ball; with Valanciunas guarding Jokic, Davis is freed up to do whatever he wants.
Trading for Valanciunas is also hugely beneficial to James. It's not just beneficial for Davis; it's also significant for James. James does a lot of dirty work for the Lakers, especially in terms of screening, where he's the player who sets the most screens. After trading for Valanciunas, James can be freed up.
Don't assume that James isn't really tired or that being 40 is a miracle. It's not a miracle; James is overexerting himself. He's genuinely very tired and needs to conserve more energy for offense and organization rather than setting screens and fighting for rebounds.
There's no need for the Lakers' management to hesitate. With less than 30 days until the 2025 trade deadline, there are many considerations regarding whether to trade for Valanciunas, but this is entirely unnecessary. In the NBA, no team knows at the beginning if they can win the championship. Many times, the team that ultimately wins the championship isn't the one everyone favors. This has happened more than once or twice. So when it's time to act, you must act. Hesitating accomplishes nothing; championships don't come looking for you on their own.
With less than 30 days until the trade deadline, the Lakers do indeed need Valanciunas! The above five advantages perfectly suit them, and he can free up LeBron and AD. Act quickly.