Lakers 'could have trade interest' in $78 million Raptors big man

The Los Angeles Lakers are poised for a transformative offseason.

LA’s most obvious need is a solid big man, something the Lakers were clearly missing in 2024-25 after trading Anthony Davis to acquire Luka Dončić and then pulling out of a deal for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams just before the deadline in February.

With Dončić and Austin Reaves on the roster (for now), the Lakers have elite guard play but lack a reliable center.

On Wednesday, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto suggested that Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl, a steady defensive anchor, could be the solution to stabilize Los Angeles’ paint presence.

“Poeltl is owed $19.5 million for the 2025-26 season and has a player option for the same figure for the 2026-27 season,” Scotto wrote.

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“Should Poeltl not get an extension done with Toronto, a team such as the Los Angeles Lakers – who are seeking an upgrade at center – could have trade interest. Poeltl has previously signaled he’d like to get an extension done and remain a Raptor, if possible, and (Raptors president Masai) Ujiri called him a ‘backbone’ during his exit media availability.”

Poeltl’s rim protection, rebounding, and screen-setting would complement Dončić’s playmaking, allowing the Lakers to employ a more balanced game plan. 

His $19.5 million salary is manageable, though matching salaries could involve packaging players like Rui Hachimura or Gabe Vincent, potentially with draft picks, to entice Toronto. 

However, prying Poeltl away won’t be easy. Ujiri values his defensive versatility, and Poeltl's desire to stay in Toronto has been made known.

If the Lakers can craft an appealing offer, they could land a center who transforms their roster, but they might have to ultimately look elsewhere.

Toronto signed Poeltl to a four-year, $78 million deal in 2023.

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