The Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves was a harsh reminder of their glaring weakness: the lack of a reliable starting center. Head coach J.J. Redick’s decision to start Jaxon Hayes and quickly shift to small-ball tactics backfired, as Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves exploited the Lakers’ size disadvantage.
While the Lakers made an attempt to address this issue at the trade deadline by pursuing Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, the deal fell through after Williams failed his physical. Now, with the offseason officially underway, the Lakers are expected to explore all available options to solidify their center position.
Why Jakob Poeltl Makes Sense for the Lakers?
One name that’s been mentioned as a potential target for the Lakers is Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl. He’s set to make $19.5 million in the 2025-26 season and has a player option for the following year. According to HoopsHype, if the Raptors don’t extend Poeltl, he could be a trade candidate.
The Raptors getting the 9th pick in the upcoming draft adds another layer to this possibility. If they draft a young big like Derik Queen to replace Poeltl long term, it increases the chances they move him—this offseason or at the trade deadline.
For the Lakers, acquiring Poeltl would be a realistic and impactful move. While trades for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo have been floated, getting a reliable role player like Poeltl fits better with the team’s current roster and salary cap situation.
What Jakob Poeltl Brings to the Table?
Poeltl is the kind of player the Lakers need to add to the frontcourt. 7’1”, he’s a rebounder, rim protector, and finisher of lobs around the basket. He’d be perfect for Luka and LeBron to alley-oop and create space in the paint.
But Poeltl isn’t a floor spacer—he only took 5 threes last season—but the Lakers can still go small ball when needed. He’d allow them to switch between traditional big man lineups and modern 5 out lineups depending on the matchup.
The Cost of Acquiring Poeltl
Unlike the Mark Williams deal, trading for Poeltl might require the Lakers to give up more assets. As an NBA veteran with consistent production, Poeltl has value. But the Lakers must be careful not to overpay or sacrifice Austin Reaves.
If the Lakers can structure a deal that works for both teams without gutting their core rotation, getting Poeltl should be a no brainer. He can anchor the defense and provide stability in the paint, and that would go a long way in fixing their biggest roster hole.
A Busy Offseason Ahead for the Lakers
The Lakers’ offseason priorities are clear: find a solution at center and build a championship supporting cast around Doncic and James. Getting Poeltl would check that box and set the tone for other moves like re-signing role players or targeting shooters in free agency.
Fans may dream of big blockbuster trades, but sometimes the most effective upgrades come from adding reliable role players. For the Lakers, filling the center hole is the foundation of their offseason, and Poeltl is one of the best options available.
Addressing the Center Position
The Lakers’ inability to counter Minnesota’s size in the playoffs showed how important it is to address the center position. Jakob Poeltl is the perfect blend of experience, skill, and fit to help the Lakers next season.
As the front office navigates free agency and trade talks, they will prioritize finding a stabilizing force in the middle. If they do, the rest of their offseason will only make them more likely to make another deep playoff run.
