Report: Lakers could look to trade Gabe Vincent, second round pick for Jonas Valančiūnas

With the Lakers still searching for a big, perhaps Gabe Vincent could be packaged in a deal to get Jonas Valančiūnas of the Wizards to Los Angeles.

On Dec. 15, players signed in free agency become trade-eligible, which certainly opens up the opportunity for more moves to be done than is currently possible.

For example, on that day, Jonas Valančiūnas, who signed with the Wizards on a three-year, $30-million deal this past summer, will be available to trade. The Lakers sound likely to be one of many teams looking to acquire the 13-year veteran.

According to Michael Scotto in his most recent Hoops Hype article, Los Angeles could look to use a second round pick and guard Gabe Vincent to acquire the Wizard.

“Vincent has been a disappointment for the Lakers since signing a three-year, $33 million deal due to injuries and inefficient shooting. Los Angeles will look to include him as a salary filler with draft pick compensation in trade talks. Keep an eye on Los Angeles potentially dangling Vincent and future second-round picks to try and land Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, a coveted Lakers target.”

Adding the draft capital certainly would make this an intriguing deal for the Wizards. Washington currently has a 2-16 record, so they are clearly not in any type of contention. Moving a quality player while gaining a draft pick could be a win-win for the Wizards and the Lakers.

This trade would work financially, too. In fact, it would save the Lakers about $1.1 million, which is a lot when they are pressed right up against the second apron line.

The Lakers have maintained interest in Valančiūnas dating back to the summer during free agency. As Scotto also noted in his piece, the Lakers have been consistent in their desire to acquire the big man.

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

Los Angeles has a depth issue at this position and has been trying to add a “big, bruising” center since the summer.

At 6’11 and given his style of play, Valančiūnas certainly fits that archetype.

This season, he’s averaging 12 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Adding him to the Lakers would provide the team with a big they can pair with Anthony Davis or be the first big off the bench to play during the non-AD minutes.

Now, we just need to know how serious the Wizards are about moving Valančiūnas and if L.A. can outbid other teams.

Suffice it to say that vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka will work late hours and dial the phones to see if he can make roster upgrades before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.