Before the 2025 NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers spent the entire offseason, preseason, and regular season searching for an upgrade at center. It was their most glaring weakness, with former franchise star Anthony Davis openly and privately requesting reinforcements.
However, the player LeBron James personally wanted the Lakers to sign in free agency—Jonas Valanciunas—slipped through
their grasp both in the offseason and at the trade deadline. At 32, Valanciunas is one of the most productive non-All-Star centers in the league, known for his double-double consistency, polished post moves, and underrated playmaking. For 13 seasons, he has been a reliable offensive weapon.
After failing to land him, the Lakers had to watch as the rival Sacramento Kings took advantage of the opportunity and secured Valanciunas.
Los Angeles momentarily seemed to address its center concerns by negotiating a trade for Mark Williams, but the deal fell apart at the last minute. While that may shield the front office from criticism, it remains clear that they were aware of their need for frontcourt depth for months.
The Lakers have managed to succeed without him, but seeing Valanciunas excel in Sacramento raises the question of what could have been.
### Jonas Valanciunas Making an Impact with the Kings
Since joining Sacramento, Valanciunas has played in 13 games, averaging 10.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 offensive boards, 2.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks in just 20.6 minutes per game. Per 36 minutes, his production jumps to 17.9 points, 14.2 rebounds, 4.6 offensive boards, 4.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks.
For context, those per-36 numbers would place him fourth on the Lakers in points, assists, and steals, first in rebounds and offensive boards, and second in blocks.
Adding to the frustration, Valanciunas has continued to improve since arriving in Sacramento. Since February 24, he has averaged 13.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.0 offensive boards, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. During that span, the Kings have gone 5-2, and Valanciunas has recorded at least 12 rebounds and six assists in each of the last three games.
While it’s possible he wouldn’t have meshed perfectly in Los Angeles, it’s hard not to think his rebounding, passing, and scoring could have complemented defensive-minded big man Jaxson Hayes well.
Despite their strong record since January 15, the Lakers still struggle in key areas. They rank last in the NBA in bench points per game, 20th in second-chance points allowed, and 26th in second-chance points scored—areas where Valanciunas could have made a difference.
Instead, Los Angeles must push forward for the final stretch of the season while a key division rival benefits from the very player they once pursued.I’m
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