On December 31st, Beijing time, Lakers reporter Anthony Irwin revealed the inside story of the Lakers' trade, offering Valanciunas but failing to reach an agreement with the Wizards. The target centers also include Kessler, Lowry, Richards, and Sharp. The pursuit of Kessler encountered obstacles because Anji was worried that Kessler's performance after James retires would weaken his own first-round pick in 2027.
Previously, the Lakers had completed a major trade, sending Russell, Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Nets, recruiting Finney-Smith and Shake Milton; the Lakers strengthened their perimeter and defense, and they still plan to strengthen the team through trades.
Lakers beat reporter Anthony Irwin reported that the Lakers are still seen as the more advantageous side to get Valanciunas; however, the Wizards are asking for more draft picks than the Lakers are willing to give, and they were previously seeking Russell's expiring contract.
The Wizards are exploring throughout the league, wanting a better offer than the Lakers', but teams are quite cautious about Valanciunas' contract. His contract will continue until the 2026-27 season, with no guarantee in the last year.
Anthony Irwin continued to report that the Lakers have discussed internally with the Trail Blazers' Robert Williams, the Hornets' Richards, the Nets' Sharp, and the Utah Jazz's Kessler.
Sources say that the Lakers and the Jazz were quite close to reaching a deal on Kessler this summer, but the negotiations between the two sides this year have been very unstable. One concern of the Jazz is that sending Kessler to the Lakers to partner with Davis will not only enhance the Lakers' frontcourt strength this year but also, importantly, in the long run.
The Jazz hold the Lakers' top-four protected first-round pick in 2027. Danny Ainge has expressed concerns in this regard, fearing that after James retires, Kessler may prevent the Lakers from becoming a bottom-feeder team.
Anthony Irwin also reported that after acquiring Finney-Smith and Milton, the Lakers will evaluate the current lineup to figure out what else the team needs beyond this operation; the team is concerned that Vanderbilt may be out for the season due to injury, so the team hopes Finney-Smith can fill that role.
If Vanderbilt continues to be absent and the Lakers remain competitive, the Lakers will continue to seek a tough and durable forward player to return to the style that helped them win the championship in the 2019-20 season, that is, players with height advantage, strong athletic ability, and flexible switching defense.
It is reported that Vanderbilt has started non-contact training; currently, the Lakers are 18 wins and 13 losses, ranking fifth in the West. What kind of operations can Pelinka complete for the team? Let's wait and see.