Rob Pelinka, the General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, is working hard as the February 6 trade deadline approaches. On February 2, he executed a major trade to bring Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, although it involved sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. This move has left the Lakers with a gap in their center position, and reports suggest that Pelinka is actively seeking to acquire a big man before the deadline. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported on February 4 that Nikola Vucevic is being considered as a potential target for the Lakers. It is believed that multiple second-round picks could be enough to land the veteran center.
Scotto noted, “Following the trade of star guard Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings, the Chicago Bulls are focusing on rebuilding. With two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic wanting to contend now, thereโs growing speculation that the Bulls will trade him ahead of the deadline.” He added, “Vucevic has caught the attention of both the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers… While the Bulls initially hoped for a first-round pick, they may have to settle for several second-round picks, according to NBA executives.”
Vucevic, who is enjoying a stellar season with averages of 19.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, is shooting an impressive 55.1% from the field and 40.1% from three. His skills would provide valuable floor spacing for the Lakers, complementing the new duo of LeBron James and Doncic. Head coach JJ Redick could utilize a five-out offensive system to maximize this dynamic pairing.
Lakers Also Eyeing Jakob Poeltl
Another center the Lakers have shown interest in is Jakob Poeltl, the 29-year-old big man currently playing for the Toronto Raptors. However, securing Poeltl in a trade is expected to be challenging as the Raptors are reportedly holding out for a deal that includes a first-round pick, likely with some level of protection. According to Michael Grange of SportsNet Canada, โThe Lakers have inquired about him, but the Raptors are holding out for an offer that would include a first-round pick. The only one the Lakers have left is their 2031 first-round pick, which theyโve been holding on to for years.โ
Unlike Vucevic, Poeltl is not known for his perimeter shooting but is a reliable creator with dribble hand-offs, sets solid screens, and is regarded as one of the most impactful big men available in the trade market. Being five years younger than Vucevic could make Poeltl an attractive option for Pelinka.
Lakers May Shift Austin Reaves to the Bench
In addition to potential trades, the Lakers may also make changes to their rotation. Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reports that Austin Reaves could be moved to the bench to help balance the offense. “One potential tweak to the rotation could be moving Reaves to the bench to manage the second unit and stagger his minutes with Doncic to maintain offensive creativity while not sacrificing defensive consistency,” Irwin wrote. Although Reaves has been one of the Lakers’ most consistent performers, this change could allow LeBron James and Doncic to control more of the ball without compromising the team’s defense. Redick has a lot of work ahead, but adding a floor-spacing center like Vucevic could simplify the Lakers’ strategy.
