Lakers Show Interest in $80 Million Raptors Center
The Los Angeles Lakers are in search of a new starting center. After trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks on February 2 in exchange for Luka Doncic, the Lakers now find themselves lacking in high-level talent at the center position.
Michael Grange of SportsNet Canada reports that Jakob Poeltl has caught the attention of the Lakers’ front office. However, the Toronto Raptors are expected to hold out for a significant deal, potentially asking for a first-round pick for the 29-year-old center.
“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 holding tightly for years,” Grange wrote.
Los Angeles had reportedly been looking for a center before trading Davis. Now, with Davis gone, Pelinka’s urgency is understandable. Poeltl is a perfect low-usage, reliable center who would seamlessly fit into the starting lineup. Poeltl is under contract for two more years at $80 million.
Poeltl has appeared in 44 games this season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. If he can perform at that level on a rebuilding Raptors team, he could become a key contributor on a talented Lakers squad.
LeBron James Expected to Stay with the Lakers
Following the Lakers’ trade for Doncic, rumors circulated about LeBron James’ future with the team. James and Davis had built a close relationship and won a championship together. Furthermore, the addition of Doncic, a player with a similar style to LeBron, raised questions about their fit together.
According to Chris Haynes, LeBron is planning to stay with the Lakers at least until the summer.
“League sources inform me that LeBron James intends to remain a member of the Los Angeles Lakers past the February 6 trade deadline,” Haynes shared via X. “So, even though the Lakers pulled off one of the biggest trades in recent history, LeBron James plans to stay with the Lakers… The Lakers were very appreciative of the professionalism displayed by Klutch Points CEO Rich Paul and LeBron James during this process.”
LeBron holds a player option for next season, and it’s expected that he will either opt into the final year or renegotiate a new deal if he believes the partnership with Doncic can lead to another championship.
LeBron May Extend His Career With Lakers
During a recent ESPN NBA Today segment, veteran reporter Dave McMenamin suggested that LeBron might extend his career following the acquisition of Doncic.
“LeBron had no intention and has no intention of asking out before Thursday’s trade deadline,” McMenamin said on Monday’s NBA Today. “He’ll stay with the Lakers to play with Luka Doncic for the remainder of the season. Then, he has a player option this summer that we expect him to pick up. But there’s a chance he could renegotiate a new deal, and this Luka Doncic addition could extend LeBron James’ career. It’s not a given that next year will be his last year in the NBA.”
At 40 years old, LeBron remains a top-15 player in the NBA. If he can find a way to coexist with Doncic, the Lakers may be contenders for championships in the years to come.
Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter who covers the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker, and FanSided. Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor.
