The Toronto Raptors are an organization that had to be frustrated with the outcome of the NBA Draft Lottery. Their shortcomings on Monday night could create a natural trade partner for the Los Angeles Lakers.
As other teams behind them leapfrogged the Raptors in the lottery, Toronto tumbled down to the ninth overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. It was undoubtedly an unsatisfactory reward for a turbulent season up north.
With their current positioning in the draft, center sticks out as an area of the team that can be filled with the prospects likely to be available around their selection. Khaman Maluach or Derik Queen could step in as the player who can fill that spot for the foreseeable future.
Where the Lakers come in would be an inquiry on their starting center, Jakob Poeltl. Rob Pelinka has reportedly already ventured down this path before. If the Raptors were to add another member to the frontcourt, could Masai Ujiri be more willing to change his stance on trading the Austrian big man?
Trade proposal sends Poeltl to the Lakers
Poeltl's contract, which is estimated around $19.5 million, makes him an easy player for the Lakers to match salaries for in a potential deal. The following package could be a starting point for trade conversations with the Raptors.
The Lakers will have a number of expiring deals at their disposal for the 2025 offseason. Something that should, in theory, be attractive to any rebuilding team.
As much as the Lakers may not want to, letting go of that 2031 first-round pick would likely be necessary in any negotiations that look to add a starting-caliber center to the team. Ujiri, who has been known to be stingy in trade talks, may even demand more for Poeltl here.
The Raptors starting center enjoyed numerous career highs in 2024-25, including: points per game (14.5), rebounds per game (9.6), steals per game (1.2), and assists per game (tied-2.8).
Poeltl's value is near its peak after a strong campaign. Despite the Raptors' poor team results, the veteran big man continued to showcase the ability to be a strong defensive anchor, while also being a capable pick-and-roll partner and complementary passer in the offense.
Poeltl is not a super athlete and big-time lob threat that would be more preferable beside Luka Doncic. However, his overall skill set fits well offensively, and his defensive presence would clean up a lot of areas of need for the Lakers.
Pelinka and company will not be short of potential trade partners to plug up the hole at center. The Raptors' poor luck on Monday night just gives the Lakers one more avenue to explore during the summer.
