Lakers Reportedly Targeting New Veteran Center Ahead of Trade Deadline
The 2024-25 NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, giving the Los Angeles Lakers only a few days to bolster their roster for a playoff push.
Even though the Lakers snagged future NBA MVP Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, there's always room to upgrade the roster. Finding a backup center has been one of general manager Rob Pelinka's goals throughout the last few months, however, it remains to be seen if he can find a deal that will improve Los Angeles' frontcourt situation.
Even though the market for another center appears to be drying up, it looks like the Lakers have their eye on a certain veteran who can solve their big-man needs.
Lakers Eyeing Raptors' Jakob Poeltl Before NBA Trade Deadline
On Tuesday, SportsNet's Michael Grange reported that the Lakers have contacted the Toronto Raptors about veteran center Jakob Poeltl. The 29-year-old rebounder is in the second season of a four-year, $78 million extension he signed in June 2023.
"The Lakers have inquired about (Poeltl), but the sense is the Raptors are holding out for an offer that would include a first-round pick," Grange wrote. The NBA analyst added that a 2031 selection is Los Angeles' only tradeable first-round selection, which could be an obstacle in the way of a potential deal.
"The Lakers know it would be pretty hard — not impossible — to get him," a source told Grange.
Tick, tick, tick ... on all the unknowables as the trade deadline approaches: https://t.co/kKz2RjkUnQ
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) February 4, 2025
According to Grange, the Raptors view the former 2016 ninth-overall pick "as an essential piece to help them transition from their current rebuild." Poeltl is in the middle of one of his best seasons ever, making it easy to see why Toronto isn't in a rush to pull the trigger on a deal.
The coveted 7-footer has been a bright spot amid a 2024-25 campaign that hasn't given Raptors fans much to cheer about. Poeltl has taken his game to the next level this year as he's averaging new personal bests in points (14.4), rebounds (10.3), assists (2.9), and steals (1.2) while playing a career-high 31.2 minutes per night.
Poeltl carries a $19.5 million annual cap hit for the next two seasons with a 2026-27 player option for the same number. In other words, any potential trade involving his services would likely see the Lakers send at least one of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Jarred Vanderbilt back to the Raptors.
The clocking is ticking for the Lakers to add Poeltl or any other veteran big man for a playoff push. This year's NBA trade deadline officially goes into effect on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. ET.
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