LA Lakers trade rumors: Insider predicts Rob Pelinka won't move for affordable European center averaging 11.6 ppg

The LA Lakers have been linked with one candidate the most in the trade market, Jonas Valanciunas. The European center, averaging 11.6 points this season, is one of the more affordable targets. However, despite needing big-man depth, LA might not acquire him.

According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, the Lakers GM Rob Pelinka could have already traded for Valaciunas after he became eligible to be involved in deals on Dec. 15. He has been on their radar since the offseason. As a free agent, LeBron James was reportedly willing to take a pay cut for him.

However, Buha believes the Lakers are unlikely to trade for Valanciunas after stalling for nine days since he became available.

"The fact that they haven't, that is making me feel with each passing day it's probably less likely that Valančiūnas ends up a Laker," Buha said on his podcast "Buha's Block."

Jovan Buha reasoned that Jonas Valanciunas' defensive limitations might have influenced Rob Pelinka and the LA Lakers brass' thoughts on trading for him. The Wizards big man is averaging 7.9 rebounds and 0.8 blocks, significantly lower than his career averages of 9.4 rpg and 1.0 bpg.

He's not an interior threat on the defensive end as a rim protector or adept as a pick-and-roll defender. LA might consider another option at the center spot, who is more athletic, mobile and a better defender.

Hornets' Nick Richards and Blazers' Robert Williams III are two other candidates linked to the LA Lakers.

---

LA Lakers trade rumors: Rob Pelinka could use his most moveable assets to add elite wings

The LA Lakes have multiple positions to fill. Along with acquiring a reliable center who can play with Anthony Davis and handle shifts in his absence, they also need an athletic wing or two. The center market is limited but affordable. However, the same can't be said about 3-and-D players.

They are a hot commodity in the modern NBA offensive and defensive schemes. Rob Pelinka and his front office are eyeing upgrades at those spots. Nets' duo Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith and Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma are among the candidates linked with the Lakers.

Johnson and Finney-Smith have a significant market. They are two players who instantly elevate the Lakers. However, because of the heavy interest in the league, they are expensive candidates. It will take an immense amount of creativity from Pelinka's crew to get a deal done and the Lakers' best trade assets.

With Valanciunas earning $9.9 million this season, the LA Lakers will have to part ways with Gabe Vincent in that potential deal, seemingly ending their pursuit of Johnson and possibly Finney-Smith, too. LA needs to preserve assets for a better move than spending it on Valanciunas and going after even affordable targets at the center spot.