LeBron James Wants Lakers to Trade for Specific NBA Star

The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of last year's Western Conference playoffs. This marks the second consecutive season Los Angeles was sent home by Denver, reinforcing the belief that changes are needed in order for the Lakers to become real contenders.

With LeBron James entering his 22nd NBA season, the Lakers are under pressure to make sure they surround him with pieces that can help his pursuit of a fifth championship.

Known for his willingness to get involved in front-office decisions, James reportedly has a preferred list of trade targets for the Lakers.

During a recent episode of his podcast, The Athletic's Lakers beat reporter Jovan Buha revealed that 12-year NBA veteran Jonas Valanciunas is on James' list of trade targets for the Lakers.

"As for how the Lakers feel, there was some interest (in Valanciunas)," Buha said. "He was on LeBron's list. So I think the Lakers will probably revisit that."

Valanciunas signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards this offseason after spending the last three seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Valanciunas averaged a double-double each season from 2020-2023. While his numbers were down a bit last season, Valanciunas appeared in all 82 games for New Orleans.

In his three seasons with the Pelicans, Valanciunas averaged 14.6 points and 10.1 rebounds. While he does not shoot a lot of threes (1.6 3PA/G), Valanciunas made 34.1 percent of his shots from deep with the Pelicans, which is a respectable clip for the 6-foot-11 center.

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