Lakers Trade Rumors: 2 Realistic Centers For Lakers To Target in Trades

The LA Lakers have been linked to just about every big-name big-man in the NBA these days, as they're in great need of filling their Anthony Davis-sized hole in the middle, created by the Luka Doncic trade. Don't get this wrong, nobody in LA is regretting the Luka trade by any stretch of the imagination, but the starting center spot is a void that must be addressed.

And while pundits have suggested many bold trade targets like Kristaps Porzingis of the Boston Celtics, and Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets, perhaps the most reasonable and gettable big men would be the following, as suggested by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.

Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks

The 26-year-old arrived in Big D at last year's trade deadline and delivered an immediate impact in the middle. This season, he posted a career-high 12.3 points, with 6.8 boards and 1.8 blocks. That rim protection would come in mighty handy to replace what the Lakers lost in AD's defense under the basket. He has one year left on his deal at $14.4 million.

Will 2024 first-rounder Dalton Knecht be the bait once again? He was already traded once this year by the Lakers, when they briefly acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, before he was sent back due to a failed medical. It's been awkward for Knecht since returning, and he might be better served moving on, for good this time.

Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors

The 7-footer had a career-best season for the Raptors in 2024-25, averaging personal bests of 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds, while blocking 1.2 shots per game. He only managed to play in 57 games, however, the second straight season he missed a big chunk of time due to injuries.

But Pincus calls Poeltl an "obvious, reasonable target to chase," though the Raptors are quite fond of his fit with the team, and might not want to part with him. Toronto expects to get back in the playoff mix this coming season, if the likes of Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley are healthy.

Some way, somehow, though, the Lakers will have to find themselves a new starter at the 'five' before the 2025-26 season tips off.