The NBA landscape as we knew it got flipped on its head after a surprise trade in the early hours of February 2, 2025. Luka Doncic was headed to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis.
No one saw this coming—not even the most insider NBA analysts and pundits. It truly proved that sports can still be unpredictable, even when the most seasoned watchers think they know everything.
With that, a new era of Lakers basketball was beginning to take shape. Sure, Los Angeles still has all-time great (possibly the GOAT) LeBron James on the roster, but no matter how great he remains at 40, James is bound to step away sooner rather than later.
So, Los Angeles found a fitting successor in Doncic, who could carry the torch for years to come. The big challenge now is finding the right pieces to surround him.
The Lakers turned their playoff fortunes around by securing the third seed in the Western Conference. But a tough sixth seed, the Minnesota Timberwolves, proved too much for the defensively challenged, center-less Lakers. After parting ways with Anthony Davis, the Lakers were left with only Jaxson Hayes at the center position, and he was seen as unreliable for an extended role.
That highlights a major hole Los Angeles needs to fill this offseason. While many options are on the table, one of the most attractive candidates might be in Toronto—veteran center Jakob Poeltl, who has been rumored as a top Lakers target.
Jakob Poeltl to Lakers rumors heating up once again
The Poeltl-to-Hollywood rumors gained traction throughout the season. I even considered some hypothetical trades that could send big Jak to sunny Los Angeles. However, Poeltl remained in Toronto, largely because he proved to be one of the Raptors’ most impactful players all season.
Despite a career year, Poeltl’s future in Toronto is uncertain; he could be in line for a hefty extension that the Raptors might not be willing to pay.
Revisiting the trade talks, as HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto indicated after the draft lottery, suggests Los Angeles could reignite their interest in the 29-year-old Austrian center.
When I first discussed Poeltl to LA, that was before Luka Doncic’s arrival. I envisioned a frontcourt pairing with Anthony Davis. Now, with Doncic in the mix, Poeltl’s fit on the Lakers looks even better. A hypothetical starting lineup could include Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Poeltl.
On the flip side, Toronto would lose their anchor in the paint, leaving them with limited center depth. LA’s gain turns into Toronto’s problem, which means they’ll need to find a suitable replacement either in the draft or free agency.
Poeltl’s departure wouldn’t leave Toronto without assets; it could likely include swingman Rui Hachimura, on an expiring deal, plus whatever draft capital Los Angeles is still permitted to offer (stepien rule in mind and lack of picks in general).
From a Raptors fan’s perspective, it’s easy to see Toronto getting the short end of the stick. I’ll admit, I’ve grown to really appreciate Poeltl’s contributions to the Raptors’ core, and he’ll surely be missed if his second stint in Toronto ends.
But with the team shifting direction and increasing cash flow, it’s uncertain whether they can afford to keep him long-term in a way that makes sense financially. If not, this is the perfect chance for the Lakers to add a reliable center to complement their future Luka Doncic core.
Just look at how effective Poeltl has been as a pick-and-roll partner for guys like RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes. That talent could translate well alongside a virtuoso like Doncic. Plus, Poeltl’s defensive growth forces opponents to think twice about attacking the paint. That’s exactly what Doncic and the Lakers need, so I see a seamless fit.
Of course, it’s up to the Raptors to figure out how to find a suitable replacement for Poeltl. Finding someone who can match his production isn’t easy, but it’s a conversation that will likely heat up soon. I’m confident Masai Ujiri and his team can work out a deal that maximizes return and addresses that glaring hole in Toronto’s roster for the season ahead.