Lakers insider proposes blockbuster mock trade for $13.3 million center, includes red-hot Rui Hachimura in package 

The LA Lakers have just made a major move by trading away D'Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith so that they can fill the gap in their wing defense. However, they are likely still a few good moves away from becoming true contenders in a stacked Western Conference.

Another gap the LA front office needs to address is their lack of a true center to pair with Anthony Davis. As a solution to that, Lakers insider Trevor Lane suggested a trade for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. The trade would also give LA a starting PG - Colin Sexton - as a replacement for Russell.

In exchange, Rob Pelinka would have to send Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Jaxson Hayes to the Jazz.

Financially, the trade would work and also because the Jazz are a rebuilding team. Utah is 14th in the West with a 7-23 record, nowhere near being a Play-in team, let alone a Playoff contender. However, LA would also likely need to include a future first-rounder or two to get this deal done.

LA would also need to sacrifice Rui Hachimura, who has been a reliable offensive weapon. This season, he has averaged 12.5 points, making 48.4% of his shots (45.2% from the 3-point arc).

In exchange, they would acquire a defensive stalwart who can crash the board with effort. This season, Kessler is averaging 10.9 rebounds and 2.8 blocks.

If this trade happens, LA's starting lineup could look like this: Sexton at point, Austin Reaves at the two, LeBron James at small forward, Anthony Davis at the power forward and Kessler at center.

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The Lakers are still being linked to Jonas Valanciunas

The LA Lakers are being linked to several centers that could turn them into a true contender. This is understandable considering that the center is their most glaring need.

Anthony Davis has been starting at that spot, and Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt have all missed significant time due to injuries. This predicament has made it clear that a starting center is at the top of their list of needs.

That's why Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas continues to be linked to LA. In 29 games this season, the Lithuanian center has averaged 11.5 points and 8.0 rebounds.

While these numbers aren't anywhere near his production from several seasons ago when he was a constant 20-10 threat, he has remained healthy. He's yet to miss a game this year and played all 82 games last season. Before that, he suited up for 79 contests and 74 in the year before.

Jonas Valanciunas' best ability is his availability, something the other Lakers centers don't possess.