The Los Angeles Lakers may have just completed one of the biggest trades in NBA history, but they’re still looking to make another move.
With LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the charge, the team knows they need a strong big man to round out the roster and maximize their chances of returning to the NBA Finals.
While the Lakers have their sights on several potential targets, landing a top-tier center won’t be easy.
Lakers Inquire About Jakob Poeltl
According to Michael Grange, Los Angeles has “inquired” about Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors, though acquiring him won’t come cheap.
“The Lakers have inquired about him, but the sense is the Raptors are holding out for an offer that would include a first-round pick (likely with a certain level of protection) and the only one the Lakers have left to offer is a 2031 first they’ve been clutching tightly for years,” Grange wrote, per NBACentral.
The Raptors reportedly consider Poeltl an “essential piece” of their future and won’t part with him unless they receive an offer they “can’t say no to.”
Lakers Hesitant to Give Up First-Round Pick
Toronto wants at least a first-round pick, but the Lakers are being extremely cautious with their assets.
Surprisingly, the team still has a first-rounder left after their blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Doncic. Many expected Anthony Davis and Max Christie to be packaged with multiple picks, yet the Lakers managed to acquire Doncic for far less.
Now, with their lone remaining first-rounder, they must decide whether Poeltl is worth the price or if they should wait until the offseason to reassess the market.
Averaging 14.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, Poeltl could be a major asset for Los Angeles. However, the front office must determine if his impact justifies sacrificing one of their last valuable trade assets.
