The Nuggets could lose one of the best backup centers in the NBA to a Western Conference rival.
The Denver Nuggets could face another offseason roster change as veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas has reportedly emerged as a target for the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Lakers are prioritizing the search for a backup center after trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards. Valančiūnas is among the players under consideration, alongside Andre Drummond and Kevon Looney.
If L.A. can sign the veteran big man, Denver would lose an experienced frontcourt contributor entering the 2026-27 season.
The Nuggets finished 54-28, good for third place in the Western Conference last season, and maintaining depth behind reigning MVP Nikola Jokić remains an important priority as the franchise pursues another championship.
Valančiūnas In Denver Last Season
Valančiūnas was one of the best backup center in the NBA last season, especially behind one of the best big man in the NBA.
He spent the 2025-26 campaign with Denver, appearing in 65 games while averaging 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 13.4 minutes per game. He also shot an efficient 58.2% from the field, providing reliable production whenever his number was called.
Although his role was limited behind Jokić, Valančiūnas continued to demonstrate why he has remained one of the NBA's most dependable veteran centers throughout his 14-year career.
Since entering the league as the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Lithuanian big man has appeared in 1,002 career games while averaging 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds.
He's also enjoyed productive stops with the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings before arriving in Denver.
Jonas Valančiūnas (17) calls for the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. His Value Behind Jokic
His combination of size, rebounding and interior scoring has made him a valuable contributor throughout his career. Even in a reserve role, Valančiūnas provides physicality, efficient scoring around the basket, and veteran leadership.
For Denver, losing him would remove an experienced insurance policy behind Jokić. Veteran centers capable of handling meaningful minutes are difficult to replace, especially for teams with championship aspirations.
Re-signing him should be one of their top priorities.
Jonas Valančiūnas (17) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during first half at Moda Center.The Lakers' reported interest comes after Washington acquired Ayton, prompting L.A. to accelerate its search for another big man to pair with newly acquired starter Walker Kessler.
No deal appears imminent, but Valančiūnas has quickly become one of the more intriguing names still available on the center market.
Whether Denver can retain the veteran or watch him depart for L.A. remains one of the offseason storylines to monitor as both teams continue shaping their rosters ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
