One has to expect that the Los Angeles Lakers will have a list of targets as far as centers they will go after this offseason. The center position is obviously their huge weak link, and securing a starting-level player at this position who can defend and rebound at a high level would greatly boost their chances of winning the NBA championship next season.
Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks and Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets have been mentioned as possible targets by the media. But according to one insider, the Lakers could also try to go after the Toronto Raptors‘ Jakob Poeltl.
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Poeltl is someone they had been interested in not too long ago, and he may not exactly be a bad option for them.
Via HoopsHype:
“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,” wrote Michael Scotto. “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, who will turn 30 years of age in October, averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals a game this season. He may not be a true shot-blocker or rim protector, but he is an above-average defender who can finish at the rim and even help out in the passing department.
The fact that he has a player option for the 2026-27 season could be attractive to the Lakers, who may want to reset their financial books next summer. LeBron James has a player option for next season, and whether he opts in or opts out to sign a slightly longer contract, he, along with Luka Doncic, could both become free agents in 2026.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers ‘could have trade interest’ in intriguing veteran center