Deal Finalize: Lakers Has Finally Secure Bold Trade for Raptors’ Star Center to Pair with LeBron James and Luka Doncic

NBA Trade Rumor: Lakers Willing to Trade 23-Year-Old Rookie to Bring in Raptors’ Star Center to Join Forces with LeBron James and Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic was acquired by the LA Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks during the February 2025 trade deadline. The Lakers are still eager to bolster their roster with fresh talent. The Lakers have been searching for a centre Star

It appears that the Los Angeles Lakers are thinking about making a trade that would put an end to their frontcourt woes. A recent report claims that the team is considering a trade that would see a rookie, age 23, leave the squad to make room for a Toronto Raptors player..

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.

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.