If the Toronto Raptors make another move or two during the offseason, they could be a sneaky team in the Eastern Conference. Who's to say that the Raptors can't be like the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, or some of the other under-the-radar teams in the conference?
Of course, plenty of that comes down to health. The Raptors haven't had health on their side for much of the past few years, and with some of the players on their roster, it makes that question even more confusing.
There's also a scenario where the Raptors could trade some of their top players and attempt to get assets in return. One of them could be Jakob Poeltl, who Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported the Los Angeles Lakers would be interested in if the Raptors make him available.
“Poeltl is owed $19.5 million for the 2025-26 season and has a player option for the same figure for the 2026-27 season. Should Poeltl not get an extension done with Toronto, a team such as the Los Angeles Lakers – who are seeking an upgrade at center – could have trade interest. Poeltl has previously signaled he’d like to get an extension done and remain a Raptor, if possible, and Ujiri called him a “backbone” during his exit media availability,” he wrote.
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Poeltl is an above-average defender and should have the opportunity to play for a contending team over the next few years.
He's been excellent during his time in Toronto, averaging 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and defending the rim at a high level last season.
There were rumors that he was available at the trade deadline last year, but the Raptors didn’t move him.
With the Lakers needing a center as much as they do, they might be willing to move a decent haul for the 29-year-old.