Lakers Join Growing List of Teams Targeting $15 Million Big Man

Lakers Join Growing List of Teams Targeting $15 Million Big Man

As the NBA offseason intensifies, one name that has generated significant buzz among teams looking to bolster their rosters is Jakob Poeltl, the 7-foot Austrian center currently playing for the Toronto Raptors. Poeltl, who will be eligible for a lucrative contract extension or a trade ahead of the 2025 season, is quickly emerging as one of the most coveted big men in the league. The Los Angeles Lakers, always active in their pursuit of roster upgrades, have now joined the growing list of teams reportedly interested in Poeltl’s services. With his blend of defensive prowess, rebounding ability, and emerging offensive skills, Poeltl could be a perfect fit for the Lakers’ championship aspirations as they look to make another deep run in the postseason.

Jakob Poeltl: A Defensive Anchor

Jakob Poeltl’s journey to becoming one of the NBA’s most sought-after big men has been an impressive one. Originally drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2016, Poeltl was known primarily for his defensive abilities. A rim protector and a force on the boards, Poeltl’s game has always been about cleaning up on the defensive end. However, over the past few seasons, Poeltl has continued to improve his offensive game, making him an even more attractive asset.

In 2024, Poeltl posted career highs in points (12.5), rebounds (9.1), and blocks (2.0), establishing himself as a double-double machine. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor—particularly his shot-blocking and rebounding—has made him one of the most reliable centers in the league. Poeltl is known for his high basketball IQ, excellent positioning, and ability to make timely plays, whether that’s a block at the rim, a screen to free up teammates, or a smart pass out of the post.

While not the most explosive offensive player, Poeltl has shown enough versatility to contribute offensively when needed. His ability to finish around the basket, set solid screens, and protect the rim makes him a perfect fit for teams needing an upgrade in the frontcourt.

Why the Lakers are Interested

The Los Angeles Lakers have been on a mission to assemble a team capable of competing for the NBA Championship ever since LeBron James arrived in 2018. In recent years, the Lakers have been a force in the postseason, thanks in large part to LeBron’s leadership and the emergence of Anthony Davis as one of the best two-way players in the league. However, one area that the Lakers have struggled with in recent seasons has been their frontcourt depth, especially when it comes to having a reliable center who can protect the rim and provide rebounding support.

While Davis is undeniably one of the best big men in the NBA, his health has been a recurring issue. In the 2024 season, Davis played in 71 games, a solid number, but the Lakers are still cautious about relying too heavily on him in a traditional center role. The team also lacks a consistent backup big man who can provide relief for Davis when needed. That’s where Jakob Poeltl could come in.

Poeltl’s shot-blocking, rebounding, and ability to finish near the basket would give the Lakers a solid presence in the paint. His rim protection would complement Davis’ versatile defense, allowing the Lakers to have a formidable duo on both ends of the floor. Furthermore, Poeltl’s ability to play in pick-and-roll situations could benefit both LeBron James and the Lakers’ young guards, who thrive in ball movement and attacking the basket.

The Lakers’ primary goal for 2025 is to remain competitive and improve their roster in areas of need. Adding Poeltl to the fold would give the Lakers a starting-caliber center or a reliable backup, significantly enhancing their frontcourt depth and giving them a better chance to compete with the league’s best teams.

The Growing Interest in Poeltl

The Lakers aren’t the only team showing interest in Jakob Poeltl. Across the league, several franchises have expressed an eagerness to add a reliable big man who can provide a defensive presence and rebounding prowess. Poeltl’s name has appeared in numerous trade rumors, and as a player whose value has risen dramatically in recent seasons, it’s no surprise that many teams are considering him a top target for their frontcourt.

For contenders looking to bolster their interior defense and provide an additional rim-protecting presence, Poeltl is seen as a perfect fit. The Boston Celtics, for example, have reportedly been exploring ways to add Poeltl to their rotation as a potential solution to their struggles against dominant big men. The Miami Heat, with their need for a more reliable center next to Bam Adebayo, have also been mentioned as a potential landing spot for the Austrian center.

Additionally, teams like the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns have all been linked to Poeltl in trade talks. With Poeltl’s contract set to expire, there’s a growing sense that the Raptors may look to move him before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, and many teams are positioning themselves to be the beneficiary of his services.

What the Lakers Would Have to Offer

For the Lakers, adding Poeltl would likely require a trade, though the team also has the option to pursue him through free agency if the Raptors decide to move on. Given that Poeltl is valued at around $15 million per season, the Lakers may have to maneuver around their salary cap to make the deal work, especially with other high-profile contracts already on the books, including LeBron James’ lucrative deal and Anthony Davis’ max contract.

To secure Poeltl’s services, the Lakers might have to offer a combination of expiring contracts, young talent, or future draft picks. Players such as Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley, or Lonnie Walker IV could be involved in a potential deal, although it’s unclear whether the Raptors would be interested in taking on those contracts. The Lakers would also have to be strategic in any potential trade, as they don’t want to sacrifice too much of their depth or future flexibility.

Another option would be to pursue Poeltl in free agency, but that would depend on whether the Lakers can free up enough cap space to sign him outright or if they can offer him an enticing contract that other teams may not be able to match.

The Fit with LeBron and AD

One of the most intriguing aspects of Poeltl joining the Lakers would be how he fits into a rotation featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LeBron, one of the best playmakers in NBA history, could greatly benefit from Poeltl’s screening and finishing ability. As a big man who can roll to the basket and finish around the rim, Poeltl would give LeBron another option to work with in pick-and-roll situations, opening up opportunities for easy baskets.

In addition, Poeltl’s defense would provide an excellent complement to Davis’ versatile shot-blocking abilities. While Davis is often tasked with defending against dynamic forwards, Poeltl could handle more traditional bigs, allowing Davis to roam and provide help defense when necessary. This duo would make for one of the most intimidating defensive frontcourts in the league.

Conclusion: A Smart Addition for the Lakers

As the Lakers look to contend for another NBA championship, Jakob Poeltl could be the piece that completes their roster. With his defensive versatility, rebounding, and growing offensive game, Poeltl would provide the Lakers with the frontcourt depth and presence they need. His addition would not only bolster their defense but also make them a more formidable force in the postseason.

With the Lakers now joining a growing list of teams pursuing Poeltl, the competition for his services will be fierce. However, if the Lakers can find a way to secure the talented center, they would be adding a key piece to their championship puzzle for the 2025 season. As Poeltl’s value continues to rise, expect the trade rumors and speculation surrounding him to only intensify as the season progresses.