LA Lakers rumors: Insider deems LeBron James free agency shortlisted FA candidate as likeliest to get traded

The LA Lakers have been floundering in the middle of the Western Conference standings this season. With their inconsistent play, rumors are circulating about a possible trade that could boost the team’s depth, especially in the frontcourt.

According to Lakers insider and The Athletic reporter Jovan Buha, Jonas Valanciunas, a potential trade candidate, could add a much-needed boost to the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation after back center Jaxson Hayes’ injury.

“If I am setting the Vegas odds for whom the Lakers are most likely to trade for, I think Jonas Valanciunas has the most buzz around going back last summer when he was in LeBron’s free agency list as a guy he would be willing to take a pay cut for,” said Buha (8:14-8:30).

Buha explained that Valanciunas would not be eligible to be traded until December 15 as he was picked up through free agency by the Washington Wizards in the previous NBA offseason.

However, he also noted that people should still expect the unexpected for the Lakers’ moves ahead of the trade deadline, considering the organization’s secretive nature.

“The Lakers operate in the shadows. Rob Pelinka knows what he is doing in terms of protecting information, intel, and leaks. I think the most likely scenario outside of maybe trading for Valanciunas would be the Lakers trading for a player no one sees coming,” he added.

Valanciunas has been solid as the Wizards’ starting center this season, averaging 12.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. However, the Wizards hold the worst record this season (3-19).

Meanwhile, the Lakers have been playing Anthony Davis heavy minutes in the center position. Davis leads the team in minutes per game with 35.3 per game, while averaging a team-high 27.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.

Jovan Buha links Lakers in potential Jimmy Butler trade

With recent rumors about a Jimmy Butler trade from the Miami Heat, Lakers insider Jovan Buha stated that the Lakers may have explored the possibility of bringing the former All-Star to LA.

"I'd assume that the Lakers kicked the tires on that … And at least gauged what the potential cost would be for Jimmy Butler. Probably would be a first round pick or 2," Buha said.

The Lakers only have two first-round draft picks to trade, both of which are far ahead of the current period (2027 and 2029). Butler played against the Lakers in the 2020 NBA finals, losing to the James-led squad in six games.

Among other Butler suitors are the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks.