The Los Angeles Lakers need a new starting center. Rob Pelinka dealt Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks on February 2 in exchange for Luka Doncic. As a result, JJ Redick’s club lacks top-tier quality in the middle of the floor.
According to Michael Grange of SportsNet Canada, the Lakers’ front management has expressed interest in Jakob Poeltl. However, the Toronto Raptors are set to demand a first-round pick for the 29-year-old big man.
“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 told ESPN.
Los Angeles was apparently looking for a center before dealing Davis. However, with the All-Star center now based in Dallas, Pelinka’s sense of urgency is understandable. Poeltl is the ideal low-usage, dependable, and impactful center. He would easily fit into Redick’s starting lineup. Poeltl has two seasons left on his four-year, $80 million contract.
Poeltl appeared in 44 games this season. He averages 14.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. If he can produce such stats on a rebuilding Raptors club, he has the potential to be a major factor on a good Lakers roster.
LeBron James expected to stay with the Lakers.
After the Lakers acquired Doncic, there was discussion about LeBron James’ future. After all, LeBron maintained a tight relationship with Davis. They won the championship jointly. Furthermore, the signing of Doncic, who has a similar playstyle to LeBron, has raised worries about how the two can coexist on the same team.
According to Chris Haynes, LeBron is committed to staying with the Lakers until the summer.
“League sources inform me that LeBron James intends to remain a member of the Los Angeles Lakers past the Feb. 6 trade deadline,” Haynes tells X. Although the Lakers made a significant trade,LeBron James intends to remain with the Lakers.According to sources, the Lakers appreciated Klutch Points CEO Rich Paul and LeBron James’ professionalism. They believed that those two made the procedure go smoothly.
LeBron has a player option for the upcoming season. He will most likely opt for the last year or renegotiate a new contract if he believes his combination with Doncic can lead to another championship.
LeBron Could Extend His Lakers Playing Career.
During a recent broadcast of ESPN’s NBA Today, veteran writer Dave McMenamin speculated that LeBron may extend his playing career with the addition of Doncic.
“LeBron had no intention, and still has no intention, of asking out before Thursday’s trade deadline,” McMenamin told NBA Today on Monday. “He’ll stay with the Lakers to play alongside Luka Doncic for the rest of the season.” Then, this summer, he has a player option, which we expect him to exercise. However, there is a potential he may renegotiate a new contract, and the arrival of Luka Doncic could help LeBron James extend his career. It’s not guaranteed that next year will be his final year in the NBA.”
LeBron, 40, is still one of the NBA’s top 15 players. If he can figure out how to coexist with Doncic, the Lakers could be contenders for championships in the coming years and beyond.
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