Lakers' Top Center Targets in Trades, FA After Valančiūnas' Rumored Wizards Contract

One of the top free-agent targets for the Los Angeles Lakers is off the market, as veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas reportedly agreed to join the Washington Wizards on a three-year, $30 million deal.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports previously reported that Valančiūnas was "often mentioned by NBA figures as a potential Lakers frontcourt addition this summer," but now they will have to look elsewhere.

Let's explore some of the other options available for Los Angeles this offseason after losing out on Valančiūnas.

The Lakers have been searching for a center to pair with star forward Anthony Davis for quite some time. Pursuing a trade for Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez would provide Los Angeles with a defensive anchor who has championship experience.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on Sunday that in addition to pursuing Klay Thompson in free agency, the Lakers "have an eye on trading for" Lopez.

The 36-year-old has not shown any signs of slowing down. He started 79 games this past season and averaged 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. He is a two-time All-Defensive selection, earning first-team honors in 2023 and a second-team nod in 2020.

Lopez, who played for the Lakers in 2017-18, is capable of stretching the floor, shooting 36.6 percent from three-point range last season. He should have no problems providing space for Davis and LeBron James on offense while creating a dangerous defensive tandem with Davis.

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported last week that the Lakers were interested in negotiating with the Atlanta Hawks on a trade for star guard Dejounte Murray and veteran center Clint Capela. With Murray no longer available after being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles could pursue a deal for Capela alone, which likely would be much cheaper.

Capela appeared in 73 games and averaged 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds while splitting time with Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu. He would have more opportunities to contribute with the Lakers.

While his offense is mostly limited to lobs, the 30-year-old is a defensive ace who is one of the most consistent rim protectors in the league, averaging 1.5 blocks in his career. He and Davis would create a formidable frontline that would stifle most opposing offenses.

A former No. 2 draft pick who hasn't lived up to his full potential, James Wiseman would be a reclamation project for the Lakers. However, playing next to Davis and James could bring out the best in the 23-year-old.

Wiseman is an unrestricted free agent after the Detroit Pistons chose not to extend him a $15.9 million qualifying offer. He appeared in 63 games this past season and averaged 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 61.3 percent from the field.

Wiseman is a consistent finisher on offense who is capable of contributing in limited minutes. He has some improvements to make on defense, but Davis will be there to clean up the youngster's mistakes.

Making a run at Wiseman would give the Lakers a chance to inject some youth into their veteran-laden roster.