The Los Angeles Lakers have found a new trade target as they attempt to add a backup center before the deadline on Thursday.

The NBA trade deadline for 2024-25 is swiftly approaching, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers with only a few days to improve their squad for a postseason run.

Even if the Lakers acquired future NBA MVP Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, there is still opportunity to improve the roster. Finding a backup center has been one of general manager Rob Pelinka’s aims in recent months, but it remains to be seen whether he can strike a deal that improves Los Angeles’ frontcourt situation.

Even if the market for another center appears to be drying up, the Lakers appear to have their sights set on a certain veteran who can fill their big-man demands.

Before the NBA trade deadline, the Lakers are looking at Jakob Poeltl of the Raptors.
SportsNet’s Michael Grange claimed on Tuesday that the Lakers have approached the Toronto Raptors about veteran center Jakob Poeltl. The 29-year-old rebounder is in the second season of a four-year, $78 million contract extension he signed in June 2023.

“The Lakers have inquired about (Poeltl), but the sense is the Raptors are holding out for an offer that would include a first-round pick,” said Grange. According to the NBA analyst, Los Angeles’ lone tradeable first-round pick is in 2031, which might be a stumbling block in any potential trade.

“The Lakers know it would be difficult, if not impossible, to sign him,” a source told Grange.

According to Grange, the Raptors saw the former 2016 ninth-round pick “as an essential piece to help them transition from their current rebuild.” Poeltl is having one of his best seasons ever, so it’s easy to see why Toronto isn’t rushing to make a deal.

The desired 7-footer has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing 2024-25 season for Raptors fans. Poeltl has elevated his game this season, averaging new career highs in points (14.4), rebounds (10.3), assists (2.9), and steals (1.2) while playing 31.2 minutes per night.

Poeltl has a $19.5 million annual cap hit for the following two seasons, with a 2026-27 player option for the same amount. In other words, any prospective trade involving his services would most likely result in the Lakers returning at least one of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Jarred Vanderbilt to the Raptors.

The clock is ticking for the Lakers to sign Poeltl or another veteran big man for a playoff run. This year’s NBA trade deadline is officially set for Thursday, February 6, at 3 p.m. ET.