However, Toronto is rumored to be seeking more than a first-round pick for Poeltl (and perhaps even two). It’s the kind of price the Lakers just wouldn’t pay for a player like him, likely requiring they trade Rui Hachimura and maybe two first-round picks for a center who, ultimately, plays the same position as Davis — only worse.

The Lakers reportedly pass on Nikola Vucevic and Jakob Poeltl, prioritizing flexibility as they explore alternative center options before the deadline.

While Vucevic and Poeltl might have addressed their frontcourt needs, the combination of draft picks, salary matching, and future financial implications makes these deals unlikely.

The NBA trade deadline is getting closer and many continue to watch the Los Angeles Lakers in expectation of any potential moves the team could make. The team has been known to desire adding another big man since before the season started and Anthony Davis’ recent comments only furthered that belief that the Lakers are in the market for a center.

Yet league sources stressed over the weekend that the Lakers are not expected to join the hunt for either Vučević or Toronto's Jakob Poeltl ... while oft-suggested Lakers target Walter Kessler of the Utah Jazz is believed to as close to unavailable as it gets with less than 10 days to go before the trade deadline on Feb. 6 at 3 PM ET.

The Los Angeles don’t appear to be targeting Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl ahead of the trade deadline. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the