On the last day of 2024, Lakers reporter Anthony Irwin exposed a series of Lakers trade dynamics and behind-the-scenes secrets, further revealing the team's future strengthening direction. Although the Lakers have already introduced Finney-Smith and Shake Milton through a big trade, enhancing their perimeter firepower and defensive depth, the team has not stopped its strengthening pace. Currently, the Lakers are focusing on the interior, targeting multiple centers including Valanciunas, Kessler, Williams, Richards, and Sharp. However, the Lakers still face significant obstacles during the negotiation process. According to Anthony Irwin, the Lakers are still considered one of the leading contenders for Valanciunas. Valanciunas is a center with strong rebounding ability and low-post scoring threat, capable of effectively enhancing the Lakers' interior strength. However, the Wizards' asking price is far higher than what the Lakers are willing to pay. The Wizards not only hope to obtain more draft picks from the Lakers but also showed interest in Russell's expiring contract, which was already used up in the previous trade between the Lakers and the Nets. Currently, the Wizards are looking for better offers within the league, but Valanciunas' big contract (unprotected in the final year of the 2026-27 season) has made other teams somewhat reserved about trading for him. Whether the Lakers will continue to pursue Valanciunas remains to be seen based on the progress of the upcoming negotiations. In addition to Valanciunas, the Lakers are actively discussing other interior targets, including Robert Williams of the Trail Blazers, Nick Richards of the Hornets, Day'Ron Sharpe of the Nets, and Walker Kessler of…