Lakers trade rumors: Brook Lopez and Jonas Valanciunas emerge as top targets

After starting the season at 5-4, the Los Angeles Lakers are once again in search of a big man. According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, two centers on the Lakers’ internal board radar are the Washington Wizards’ Jonas Valanciunas and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Brook Lopez.

Lopez re-signed with the Bucks in the 2023 offseason on a two-year, $48 million deal. Although he was linked to trade rumors this past summer, he ultimately stayed in Milwaukee. However, with the Bucks actively exploring the trade market, Lopez’s name has resurfaced.

Valanciunas was also reportedly a Lakers target during the offseason, but no deal materialized. He instead signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Wizards.

The 36-year-old Lopez, who previously played for the Lakers before joining Milwaukee in 2018, is averaging 9.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across nine games this season.

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Valanciunas is posting averages of 13.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.