Highlights:

LA Lakers roped in Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in the trade deadline that culminated in Fenruary 2025.

Lakers are still looking forward to adding new talents into the squad.

Lakers have long been looking for a Center.

The Los Angeles Lakers are apparently considering a move that could end their frontcourt frailties. According to a recent report, the franchise is contemplating a trade move that could see a 23-year-old rookie depart from the team to make way for a resource from the Toronto Raptors.

Lakers Have Set Their Sights on Raptors’ Center

Dalton Knecht, who signed an 18.4 million deal with the Lakers, intermittently showcased his prowess in his debut season. He is well-regarded for his versatility on the court and has a knack of thriving in clutch situations. The rookie has averaged 9.1 points while shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc. Despite the promise he has displayed on the court, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly targeting a reliable center in the form of Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl.

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz highlighted the rationale behind such a move. “Toronto’s rebuild has yet to include a center, as the franchise should be shopping the 30-year-old Poeltl while eyeing a new big man with its projected No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 draft,” Swartz wrote. He added, “With the Lakers in desperate need of a center, there’s a deal to be found between these two teams.”

The Raptors would receive Knecht and versatile defender Jarred Vanderbilt in exchange for Jakob Poeltl. Vanderbilt, 25, is well-known for his ability to guard many positions, which makes him an invaluable addition to any team.

Knecht, who was anticipated to be a Top 10-15 choice in the 2024 NBA Draft but was selected 17th by the Los Angeles Lakers, has had a rocky rookie season. However, he has just found his groove, shooting an amazing 60.6% from the field and 45.8% from three-point range in March.

It is not the first time the Lakers have explored dealing Knecht. Earlier this year, they sought to trade him to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams, but the transaction fell through.