The Los Angeles Lakers were just a part of the biggest NBA trade in generations, but they aren’t done yet.
They know they need a big man to fill out the roster and give LeBron James and Luka Doncic their best shot at returning to the Finals.
They have their eye on several stars, but the chances of landing them will be extremely tough.
According to Michael Grange, the Lakers have “inquired” about Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors, although his team won’t let him go unless they get a very healthy offer.
“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 Lakers have contacted the Toronto Raptors about Jakob Poeltl, per @michaelgrange
The Raptors are reportedly seeking a first-round pick for Poeltl
“The Lakers have inquired about him, but the sense is the Raptors are holding out for an offer that would include a first-round… pic.twitter.com/vbSic4JqLR
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2025
The Raptors reportedly view Poeltl as an “essential piece” to help them move into the future, which means they will not part ways with him unless the Lakers bring them an offer they can’t say no to.
They want at least a first-round pick, and the Lakers are holding dearly to theirs.
It’s a miracle that the Lakers even have a remaining first-rounder after their trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Doncic.
Most people assumed the Mavericks would have demanded multiple picks along with Anthony Davis and Max Christie, but they let Doncic go for far less.
So now the Lakers have one remaining first-rounder and they will be very careful about how they cash it in.
Poeltl is averaging 14.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game this year and could be a huge asset to the Lakers but the front office would have to give up a lot to get him.
Will they try or instead wait until the offseason and see how the market looks then?
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