Following a swift first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers are already turning their focus toward retooling a flawed roster. Despite boasting the star power of LeBron James and newly acquired Luka Dončić, the Lakers were outmatched in five games — and it was evident from the outset that the team lacked the depth and structure to compete deep into the postseason.
One of the most glaring weaknesses? The center position.
Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office attempted to address that issue at the trade deadline by targeting Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams. However, that deal — which would have included Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap — fell apart when Williams failed his physical, forcing the Lakers to regroup.
Now, the team may be turning its attention north.
Los Angeles Lakers Eye Jakob Poeltl as Potential Trade Target to Bolster Frontcourt
According to HoopsHype NBA insider Michael Scotto, the Lakers could pursue Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl as a possible 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,” Scotto reported. “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, 29, may not be the flashiest name on the market, but he quietly had a career year in Toronto. In 57 games (56 starts) during the 2024–25 season, he averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting an efficient 62.7% from the field. His combination of size, defensive presence, and unselfish offensive play makes him an ideal fit for a Lakers squad that struggled to anchor the paint defensively and often failed to support Dončić and James in the half-court.
Toronto’s dependence on Poeltl was clear: the Raptors were just 9–16 in games he missed, and they have yet to find a reliable backup. While President Masai Ujiri has publicly expressed interest in adding a young big man this offseason — potentially via the draft with the team’s No. 9 overall pick — expecting a rookie like Khaman Maluach (Duke) or Derik Queen (Maryland) to immediately take on starter duties would be a major risk, especially if the Raptors want to remain competitive.
Poeltl’s contract situation makes him an intriguing trade candidate. He’s on the books for one more guaranteed year with a player option for 2026–27, giving any acquiring team potential short-term flexibility or long-term control. If the Lakers were to land him and the fit proved strong, they could look to work out an extension.
While the Lakers have yet to make any formal moves, the need to support their two stars with high-IQ, dependable role players is urgent. James, entering his 22nd NBA season, continues to defy time but won’t be around forever. Dončić’s arrival has reset the Lakers’ championship timeline — and a dependable interior presence like Poeltl could help stabilize their defense, improve rebounding, and ease the offensive burden on the perimeter stars.
For now, it remains speculation. But as offseason trade chatter begins to heat up, Jakob Poeltl’s name is one to watch closely in Los Angeles.