Lakers Trade Rumors: Struggling $11,000,000 guard touted as key piece in blockbuster deal for Jonas Valanciunas

After acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Nets, the Los Angeles Lakers are still interested in figuring out a deal for Wizards big man Jonas Valanciunas.

Over the past few weeks, talk of a Lakers-Wizards trade centered around Valanciunas has continued to arise. In late December, a report from Bleacher Report suggested that after Valanciunas became trade-eligible on Dec. 15, LA was one of the teams eager to acquire the veteran big man.

Per a new report from Michael Scott of HoopsHype, after acquiring a wing defender in Dorian Finney-Smith, the Lakers are now looking to finalize a deal with the Wizards centered around Jonas Valanciunas.

Scott's report from Tuesday, Dec. 31, mentions that LA is still looking to acquire another big man on the trade market using $11 million guard Gabe Vincent and their remaining second-round picks.

"The Lakers will continue to try and acquire Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas or another backup center on the trade market with their remaining future second-round draft capital, and Gabe Vincent is expected to be dangled in talks as well, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scott said.

Whether or not Washington is willing to part ways with Valanciunas for Vincent and second-round picks remains to be seen. However, based on HoopsHype's sources, it doesn't sound like the LA Lakers want to part ways with additional assets to get a deal done.

Looking at other big men the Lakers could pursue between now and the NBA Trade Deadline if Jonas Valanciunas deal falls

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (3) gets blocked by Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24). (Credits: IMAGN)

While the LA Lakers has been one of Jonas Valanciunas's suitors for much of this season, given that the veteran big man wasn't trade-eligible until Dec. 15, other trade targets have been reported and theorized.

Going back to Bleacher Report's coverage in mid-December, LA was also reportedly interested in Robert Williams III and Walker Kessler. In the case of Williams, injuries have primarily defined the fan-favorite's career. The Lakers may be hesitant to trade for the 6-foot-9 big man despite the upside when he is healthy.

Conversely, Walker Kessler would likely command a higher asking price than Williams. Additionally, the Jazz big man does little to help LA's perimeter struggles, which sees the team averaging the third-fewest 3-point attempts per game across the league.

Despite that, Kessler's upside as a traditional interior center can't be denied. For the first time in his career, he is averaging a double-double and posting a career-high 2.7 blocks per game.

While Jonas Valanciunas appears to be at the top of the team's list of trade targets before the Feb. 5 deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to pivot if GM Rob Pelinka can't finalize a deal.