RealGM

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to search for big man depth on the free agent market. Two names the Lakers have been linked to are Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards and Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Lakers have been linked to Valanciunas since last offseason. The veteran center was reportedly on a list of players that LeBron James wanted Los Angeles to pursue last summer. Because he's on a $9.9 million contract this season, it's easier to match salary in a trade for Valanciunas.

As for Williams, there is growing interest in the now-healthy big man around the NBA. However, Portland likes his fit with their young roster, and Williams' contract is very cap friendly. The Blazers are more inclined to move Deandre Ayton, should interest arise. The challenge with moving Ayton is that his contract is for $34 million this season and $35.5 million for next season.

Via Jake Fischer/Bleacher Report

Williams is available but he is highly coveted. He will probably cost the equivalent of two picks/prospects. Nobody will take back Vanderbilt right now, so the most likely matching salary would be Gabe Vincent. It will cost another pick/prospect to get a team to take back Vincent... so now we are up to 3 picks/prospects. I don't see this happening. LAL have two tradeable 1sts but no prospects they would be willing to part with. (I think they want to hang onto Reaves and Knecht)

Valanciunas is a a better bet.