Insider reveals 'name to watch' for Lakers on trade market

The Los Angeles Lakers have stood pat throughout the summer despite losing Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency. So far, the only new faces on the roster are Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, who were added via the draft.

Due to the franchise's lack of movement this summer, the Lakers are widely expected to be active in the trade market closer to the Feb. 6 trade deadline. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin , Jonas Valanciunas could emerge as a potential trade candidate for the Purple and Gold.

"One name to watch: Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards," McMenamin wrote. "James offered to take a pay cut to open up the full midlevel exception to sign the free-agent big man, but he opted for more guaranteed money from a three-year, $30 million deal in Washington...Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has a proven record of getting deals done with Washington's organization."

McMenamin isn't the first person to cite Valanciunas as a potential target for the Lakers. Yahoo Sport's Jake Fischer also noted how the recently acquired big man could make sense as a trade chip for the Washington Wizards.

Valanciunas would provide additional size and rebounding for the Lakers rotation. He is an experienced big man who has spent the last six seasons in the Western Conference with the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans. Furthermore, he could help unlock Anthony Davis, who is at his best when playing as a power forward next to a sturdy center.

Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office will undoubtedly keep their options open for the coming months. However, Valanciunas makes sense as a ready-made contributor who can help plug a legitimate gap in the rotation and play meaningful minutes. Last season, he started all 82 regular-season games for the Pelicans, averaging 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 55.9% from the field.

If the Wizards asking price is reasonable, it's hard to envision Pelinka passing up on a trade for the veteran big man, especially if he can elevate the team closer to being an NBA Finals contender.