After hiring JJ Redick as head coach, the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason plans are reportedly starting to take shape.
According to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, the Lakers could explore adding a veteran center next to Anthony Davis, and New Orleans Pelicans free agent Jonas Valančiūnas has been "mentioned by NBA figures as a potential Lakers frontcourt addition this summer."
Los Angeles also could flip the No. 17 pick in Wednesday's draft for a veteran, and the team already showed interest in Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. Sources told Fischer that Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant " is believed to be another potential addition on the Lakers' wishlist."
Valančiūnas is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The 12-year veteran has been the model of consistency in his three-year tenure in New Orleans, missing less than 10 games each year and starting all 82 games this past season. However, his averages of 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds were his lowest since the 2017-18 season when he played for the Toronto Raptors.
The slight drop in production for Valančiūnas was partly caused by Pelicans star Zion Williamson remaining healthy for most of the season, giving him the chance to take over some of the offensive duties that the 32-year-old typically handled during his injury-riddled campaigns. Valančiūnas could be a more consistent contributor in the right situation, so it wouldn't be a surprise if sought a new opportunity.
Grant appeared in 54 games for a Blazers team that ranked last in the Western Conference with a 21-61 record. He averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists, so he will be one of the top trade targets in the league this summer.
The Lakers are hoping to build a contender around Davis and LeBron James over the offseason, so it can be expected that general manager Rob Pelinka will be aggressive both in free agency and on the trade market. The West is as talented as its ever been, so it will be important to set up Redick with a strong roster in his first year as head coach.
