Los Angeles Lakers Connected to $78M Center in Potential Trade
May 17, 2025
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The Los Angeles Lakers were quickly knocked out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games. It was clear right off the bat that the Lakers had too many issues to pull off a series win.
Moving forward, Rob Pelinka will be tasked with building a better roster around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. One of the main needs for Los Angeles will be finding an upgrade at the center position.
After acquiring Doncic before the deadline, the Lakers had another trade in place to bring in Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. Unfortunately, there was an issue with his physical, and Los Angeles decided to back out of the deal.
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Jakob Poeltl #19 of the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on March 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Jakob Poeltl #19 of the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on March 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Lakers have been connected to a potential $78 million center as a potential trade target.
Read more: Lakers’ LeBron James Sends Caitlin Clark Major Message Before WNBA Season
HoopsHype NBA insider Michael Scott has suggested Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl as a potential offseason trade target.
“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,” Scott wrote. “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.”
During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Raptors, Poeltl played in 57 games and made 56 starts. He averaged 14.5 points per game to go along with 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals. Poeltl also shot 62.7 percent from the floor.
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Granted, Poeltl is not the most flashy trade target. He isn’t a big name, but his production and size would be exactly what Los Angeles needs at the center position.
At 29 years old, the veteran center is still young enough to be an option long-term as well. He will have one more year on his contract following the 2025-26 NBA season, although that year is a player option. If he fits well with the Lakers, the two sides could work out an extension prior to next offseason.
Expect to hear a lot of rumors surrounding Los Angeles this offseason. James and Doncic need help, and adding a piece like Poeltl could be exactly what the starting lineup needs.
While it is just an idea that could make sense, it would not be shocking to see the Lakers show interest in a trade with the Raptors this offseason.
For more NBA news and rumors, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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