The Los Angeles Lakers could trade for Jakob Poeltl to fill their center needs after Raptors’ president Masai Ujiri was stunningly fired just one day after the draft. Poeltl is better than any available free agent option and would be a superior fit over Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton. Poeltl brings it on both ends and is still in his prime.
Lakers fans still can’t believe Luka Doncic is wearing purple and gold. If the franchise wants to keep it that way, they must add a center capable of anchoring the defense and being Luka’s pick-and-roll partner.
The Raptors have a new ownership group and are changing lead executives. Their roster remains completely up in the air. Poeltl is under contract for $19.5 million this season with a player option for the 2026-27 campaign. Now is the time to move on if Toronto has no desire to contend, and the Lakers would love to add the talent big man.
Poeltl averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 29.6 minutes per game. The 29-year-old shot 62.7 percent from the field and scored 1.2 points per possession as a roll man. He checks all the Lakers’ boxes and could be even better playing off Luka.
The Lakers need a center to improve their play on both ends of the floor. Doncic is the best pick-and-roll playmaker in the world right now. LA must find someone to cash in those easy buckets as teams sell out to stop number 77. That player must play stout defense and protect the rim. Poelt can do all those things.
Rob Pelinka and the front office will add a center. They traded for Mark Williams before the deadline, but the deal was rescinded after LA did not like his medicals. The pressure is on to find a difference-maker, and Poeltl is likely the best player available.
Doncic is ready to prove the Mavericks wrong for trading him. He is granting head coach JJ Redick’s wish about getting in to championship shape, but the Lakers must maximize the pieces around him to win a championship. Poeltl could be feasting on easy buckets and taking the Lakers’ defense to another level if Pelinka can work out a deal with the Raptors.
LA fans know the head coach and lead executive are never safe after a down season, but it was stunning to see Masai Ujiri let go. He designed the Raptors 2019 championship roster and is known as one of the league’s best decision-makers. It could lead to move changes like Jakob Poeltl being dealt to the highest bidder.
The Los Angeles Lakers face a crucial offseason. Luka Doncic is extension-eligible in August. The Lakers must give him a long-term deal and improve their roster around him. Poeltl has been in trade rumors for years, and there is no better place to land than with the Lakers. Dismiss this move at your own risk.
