Report: Poeltl and Vucevic not considered a likely target for the Lakers

Hot days for the NBA trade market as the deadline approaches. The 30 teams have until February 6 to make trades, and one of the most active front offices is that of the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Marc Stein, the Lakers are evaluating several centers. Recently, names like Nikola Vucevic (20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game) and Jakob Poeltl (14.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game) have been linked to the Lakers. However, according to Stein, neither of these two players is considered a likely target for the Lakers. As for Vucevic, the Chicago Bulls are still seeking a future first-round pick for the player, while the Toronto Raptors' asking price for Poeltl is even higher. Both players also have contracts worth around $20 million.

One name that could become more relevant for the Lakers is Jonas Valančiūnas, who makes $9.9 million in Washington. The Wizards are looking for a second-round pick in exchange, and it seems the Lithuanian center could be the Lakers' most concrete target. A move for Utah Jazz's Walker Kessler was also attempted, but the asking price is still high. "I'm sure they'll keep trying," said Shams Charania of ESPN. However, according to Stein, the former Team USA center is unlikely to leave Utah.