Confirmed deal : Lakers can officially trade for missing piece whose postseason dreams ended early

 

The date the Los Angeles Lakers have been waiting for has finally arrived. After months of anticipation, December 15 has rolled around, meaning players signed during the 2024 period of free agency are now eligible to be traded.

In turn, the stars have aligned for the Lakers to finally execute a trade for the player many have been waiting for: Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas.

 

The Lakers were reportedly interested in signing Valanciunas over the summer, with LeBron James vouching for him as a target in free agency. Unfortunately, he signed with the Washington Wizards on a three-year, $30.295 million deal.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Lakers remain interested in acquiring Valanciunas via trade during the 2024-25 regular season.

“The Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams with the most diligent interest in trying to acquire Valanciunas, league sources told HoopsHype.”

 

After months of interest, the restrictions have been lifted and the Lakers can finally execute the trade that could transform their season.