Lakers Eye Potential Offseason Trades as NBA Season Progresses

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Lakers are intensifying their championship ambitions for the 2024-25 NBA season, but attention is already shifting toward potential trades as the offseason approaches. A recent article by Bleacher Report suggested a variety of possible offseason transactions, spotlighting the Lakers’ ongoing need for a definitive solution at the center position.

The Lakers have been long-associated with Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz, a player posited as a viable trade target. According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Swartz, once trade discussions are permitted again, the Lakers should not hesitate to propose a deal centered around Kessler. “For the Lakers, this is a deal that you do in a heartbeat,” Swartz remarked, acknowledging the clear need for a long-term solution in the post.

Despite their interest, the Jazz’s high asking price for the 22-year-old center remains a significant hurdle. Swartz noted that, earlier this year, league sources speculated that an exchange involving Kessler might require the Lakers to part with rookie Dalton Knecht, along with two first-round picks in 2029 and 2031. However, the Jazz appear committed to retaining Kessler as part of their rebuilding strategy.

In addition to Kessler, recent reports indicate that the Lakers are considering trading Knecht in a deal that could land them Jakob Poeltl from the Toronto Raptors. Knecht has shown promise in his rookie season, averaging 9.1 points and demonstrating scoring versatility, which could make him an attractive trade asset.

“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 explained, positioning Poeltl as a logical target for a Lakers team desperately seeking a reliable center. The proposed deal would send Knecht and versatile defender Jarred Vanderbilt to Toronto in exchange for Poeltl, enhancing the Lakers’ frontcourt depth.

Poeltl, exhibiting strong performance with the struggling Raptors this season, could serve as the defensive anchor the Lakers so desperately need. The Lakers have previously attempted to trade Knecht for another center but were unsuccessful, indicating a pressing urgency for a long-term solution in the post.

Meanwhile, discussions around player movements have not limited themselves to the Lakers’ center dilemma. The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly considering a trade involving Lakers guard Austin Reaves, aiming to enhance their roster following the Luka Dončić trade. “Reaves is having the best season of his career and would help take playmaking pressure off of Kyrie Irving,” Swartz noted, though the implications of such a move for the Lakers could warrant further scrutiny.

Despite a slight dip in performance since Dončić’s arrival, Reaves has remained a crucial part of the Lakers’ offensive strategy, averaging 17.3 points and 4.8 assists this season. The Lakers have little reason to part with him unless they receive an offer that genuinely improves their lineup, given Reaves’ affordable contract averaging $13.5 million a year.

As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on the Lakers’ front office. Whether they decide to acquire Poeltl, go after Kessler, or reconsider the future of Knecht and Reaves remains to be seen. Each potential move carries weight in shaping the team’s fortunes in the coming season, with fans eagerly awaiting what the management will do next.