The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be on the verge of making a big trade.

Coming into this season, L.A. had one clear weakness: no big men to help out Anthony Davis in the middle.

The problem was that everyone expected that J.J. Redick would struggle early on, decreasing the need to actually go out and field a competitive team. If the Lakers were losing games, adding players who could help in the short-term wouldn’t really make sense.

But the Lakers aren’t losing games. In fact, the team is 10-5 is currently the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. They are just two games behind the Golden State Warriors who are the No. 1 seed.

There is now real urgency to improve the roster. And according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, that improvement could happen very quickly.

This week, Fischer reported on Bleacher Report that L.A. has very real interest in adding Jonas Valanciunas. He then highlighted that the Washington Wizards have deemed Valanciunas “definitely available for trade.”

It doesn’t take a genius to read between the lines there. The Lakers have been linked to one other big trade this week, but acquiring Valanciunas remains their clearest path to becoming a legitimate NBA contender. D’Angelo Russell would almost certainly be an outgoing piece in any swap involving Valanciunas .

It really feels like the writing is on the wall here. It wouldn’t be particularly surprising to see a deal go down within the next 72 hours.

A Review of Jonas Valanciunas Basketball Career: From Lithuanian Prospect to NBA Veteran

Jonas Valanciunas has been a dominant force in the NBA since his debut in 2012.

Standing at 7 feet tall, the Lithuanian center has made his mark with impressive performances for the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans.

Throughout his 12-season career, Valanciunas has averaged 13.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, showcasing his consistency and value as a big man in the league.

Valanciunas entered the NBA as the fifth overall pick in the 2011 draft, selected by the Toronto Raptors.

His journey from the Lithuanian courts to NBA stardom is a testament to his skill, work ethic, and adaptability.

Over the years, he has developed into a reliable scorer in the paint and a formidable presence on the boards.

As Valanciunas continues to evolve his game, his impact extends beyond statistics.

He has become an inspiration for young athletes in Lithuania and a respected figure among his peers in the NBA.

His career serves as an excellent case study for aspiring international players looking to make their mark in the world’s premier basketball league.

Career Overview and Achievements

Jonas Valanciunas has established himself as a dominant force in the NBA, known for his rebounding prowess and scoring ability. His career trajectory showcases steady improvement and adaptability across multiple teams.

Early Years and Entry into the NBA

Jonas Valanciunas began his professional career in Lithuania, playing in the LKL for Lietuvos Rytas.

He quickly gained recognition, winning the LKL MVP award in 2012.

The Toronto Raptors selected Valanciunas fifth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, though he joined the team in 2012.

His rookie season showed promise, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Valanciunas averaged 8.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in his first year, demonstrating his potential as a future cornerstone for the Raptors.

Rigorous Rebounds and Scoring Prowess

Valanciunas developed into a double-double machine during his tenure with the Raptors.

His rebounding skills became his hallmark, consistently ranking among the league’s top rebounders.

By the 2015-16 season, he was averaging a double-double with 12.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.

His scoring efficiency improved significantly, with his field goal percentage often exceeding 55%.

Valanciunas’ ability to score in the post and from mid-range made him a valuable offensive asset.

He recorded multiple 20-20 games, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the court.

Notable Trades and Free Agency

In February 2019, the Raptors traded Valanciunas to the Memphis Grizzlies. This move marked a new chapter in his career.

With the Grizzlies, he flourished, averaging 19.9 points and 10.7 rebounds in his first full season with the team.

In 2021, Valanciunas became a free agent and signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.

This transition allowed him to further showcase his skills, becoming a key player for the Pelicans’ frontcourt.

His ability to adapt to new systems and maintain high production levels demonstrated his value across different teams.

Continued Impact and Key Performances

Valanciunas’ impact extends beyond regular season play.

In the 2022 playoffs with the Pelicans, he averaged a double-double, helping his team comPete against top-seeded opponents.

His defensive presence, evidenced by his blocks and strong defensive rating, has been crucial in close games.

Throughout his career, Valanciunas has consistently improved his stats.

As of the 2023-24 season, he has played over 750 NBA games, maintaining averages of 13.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.

His durability and consistency make him a reliable center in a league that increasingly values versatility.

Influence and Contributions Off the Court

Jonas Valanciunas has made significant impacts beyond his on-court performances. His charitable work and mentorship roles have positively influenced communities and fellow players.

Charitable Work and Foundation Initiatives

Valanciunas established the Jonas Valanciunas Foundation to support underprivileged youth in Lithuania and North America.

The foundation focuses on providing Educational opportunities and basketball resources to children in need.

In 2019, Valanciunas donated $100,000 to build a basketball court in his hometown of Utena, Lithuania. This project aimed to inspire local youth and promote healthy lifestyles through sports.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Valanciunas contributed to relief efforts by donating medical supplies to hospitals in Lithuania and supporting food banks in New Orleans.

Mentorship and Role in Player Development

Valanciunas has embraced a mentorship role throughout his NBA career.

In Toronto, he guided younger centers like Lucas Nogueira and Bismack Biyombo. He shared insights on post play and rebounding techniques.

With the New Orleans Pelicans, Valanciunas has become a valuable mentor to rising stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

He offers advice on professionalism, work ethic, and navigating the demands of NBA life.

Valanciunas’ leadership extends to the Lithuanian national team, where he helps develop young talent and maintains the country’s strong basketball traditions.

His commitment to player development has earned praise from coaches and teammates, solidifying his reputation as a respected veteran presence in the league.

Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.