Several Lakers trade targets will become eligible for trades after December 15th, allowing them to pull off a deal.

The Los Angeles Lakers might have started the season strong with an 11-7 record and fifth seed in the Western Conference.

But it is clear from watching them play that their roster needs improvement. They need not wait long, as Evan Sidery is reporting that several Lakers trade targets, such as Jonas Valanciunas, Nikola Vucevic, Nic Claxton, and Robert Williams III will be eligible for trade after December 15th.

“Centers are the early buzz for teams gauging the trade market ahead of December 15th when new signings become eligible to be dealt. The big man market could be very robust as well: Jakob Poeltl, Nic Claxton, Deandre Ayton, Nikola Vucevic, Jonas Valanciunas, Robert Williams III.”

The Lakers are reportedly interested in Jonas Valanciunas, Nikola Vucevic, Nic Claxton, and Robert Williams III.

Valanciunas has long been linked with the Lakers, especially since he signed a team-friendly three-year, $30.3 million deal with the Wizards this offseason. He is currently averaging 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.

The Lakers have made Valanciunas their top trade target for this season, and we looked at what a potential trade between the Lakers and Wizards could look like.

As for Nikola Vucevic, he could be a strong option, with the Bulls looking to trade him away. He is still putting up great numbers, averaging 20.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks. With him making just $20 million a season, he could be an attractive option for the Lakers, and this is what their starting lineup could look like with Vucevic.

Nic Claxton was once considered the future of the Nets, but with their impending rebuild, he might be a decent choice for the Lakers. He is averaging 8.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He makes $97 million over the next four years, which could make the Lakers consider bringing him in without having to sacrifice several players in a trade.

And lastly, Robert Williams III is another player the Lakers are looking at. Williams has shown that he can be a solid piece on a championship-level team during his stint with the Celtics in their 2022 NBA Finals run. On the Blazers, he averages 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game. And at just $12.4 million, he is an economically sound option that helps the Lakers avoid salary cap issues.

All of these players could help the Lakers greatly, as their interior defense is extremely weak. Anthony Davis is putting up great performances at center, but the All-Star much prefers to play as a power forward. Bringing a center in would greatly bolster their defense, and unlock Davis’ true potential.

Will the Lakers make a trade? GM Rob Pelinka has been extremely gunshy about making trades after getting his fingers burnt over the Russell Westbrook trade. But he might have to pull the trigger and take a risk if the Lakers want a chance at championship success next season.