NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers considering to land Raptors' $19,500,000 center in potential deal involving 2 young defensive assets

Ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, it's no secret that the LA Lakers are considered a team on the 'buying' side of things. With the franchise in fifth place in the Western Conference, LeBron James and Anthony Davis believe they can make waves in the playoffs with an additional piece or two.

Between that and the various reports circulating since late 2024 indicating that the franchise is looking for a big man to bolster its frontcourt, it seems to be a matter of when rather than if LA will make a trade.

According to Forbes' Evan Sidery, LA has allegedly checked in with the Toronto Raptors about a potential deal for Jakob Poeltl. In a Friday post on X (formerly Twitter), Sidery reported that the Lakers front office had shown an interest in Poeltl. However, no offers have been made.

Additionally, he added that the Lakers could make the potential trade work if they package Rui Hachimura and Jalen-Hood Schifino. However, whether or not LA is willing to part ways with Hachimura remains to be seen.

NBA insiders report that the Lakers remain hesitant to include first-round picks in trade talks

Leading up to the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, there has been tons of speculation that the LA Lakers will trade for a big man.

With players like veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, Walker Kessler, and Robert Williams III all reportedly in the mix, the Lakers could use future draft picks to add to their frontcourt depth.

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, LA's front office has hesitated to part ways with draft picks in recent years. The NBA insiders said little has indicated that Rob Pelinka and the Lakers have changed their stance.

The duo published a report on ESPN stating that LA has shown "little sign of aggression" in finalizing a deal before the deadline. Given that and the franchise's hesitance to part ways with future draft picks, a deal before the deadline could include Rui Hachimura.

Additionally, the most likely scenario involves players like Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, Jaxon Hayes, and Cam Reddish, who are all on expiring deals.

With the deadline less than two weeks away, only time will tell how things play out.