Lakers Reportedly Eyeing New Veteran Center Before Trade Deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers have identified a new trade target as they aim to secure a backup center before Thursday’s deadline.
The 2024-25 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers with limited time to strengthen their roster for a playoff push.
Despite acquiring future NBA MVP Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers are still looking to improve their team. One of general manager Rob Pelinka’s ongoing priorities has been securing a backup center. However, it’s uncertain whether a deal will materialize to address the Lakers’ frontcourt needs.
While the market for additional centers is shrinking, it appears the Lakers have focused on a veteran who could meet their needs.
On Tuesday, SportsNet’s Michael Grange reported that the Lakers have reached out to the Toronto Raptors about veteran center Jakob Poeltl. The 29-year-old rebounder is currently in the second season of a four-year, $78 million extension he signed in June 2023.
“The Lakers have made inquiries about Poeltl, but it seems the Raptors are holding out for an offer that includes a first-round pick,” Grange wrote. The NBA analyst noted that the 2031 pick is the only tradeable first-round pick the Lakers have, which could complicate a potential trade.
“A source told Grange that while it’s tough, it’s not impossible for the Lakers to land him.”
Grange also stated that the Raptors consider the former 2016 ninth-overall pick “a crucial part of their rebuilding process.” Poeltl is currently having one of his best seasons, which makes it clear why Toronto is reluctant to trade him.
The 7-footer has been a standout player in what has been a disappointing 2024-25 season for the Raptors. Poeltl is posting career highs in points (14.4), rebounds (10.3), assists (2.9), and steals (1.2), playing a career-high 31.2 minutes per game.
Poeltl’s contract carries a $19.5 million cap hit for the next two seasons, with a player option for 2026-27 at the same value. Thus, any potential trade involving him would likely require the Lakers to send at least one of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Jarred Vanderbilt to the Raptors.
Time is running out for the Lakers to trade for Poeltl or another veteran big man before the playoff push. The official NBA trade deadline arrives on Thursday.