On January 25, Beijing time, according to a report from Sidery, the Lakers recently discussed a trade with the Raptors about Poeltl, and Siegel also revealed that the Lakers still have a strong interest in Vucevich. Previously, the Lakers and Bulls also discussed a trade for Wuche. Although the Lakers have recently negotiated with a number of teams, sources have revealed that the Lakers have not been active in the negotiations, and Pelinka's reluctance to send away the first-round pick has not changed.

Sidery said the Lakers negotiated a trade for Poeltl with the Raptors, and the Lakers could package Hachimura, Hood Schifino and draft pick together with an offer, but the Raptors are expected to need a hefty offer before they consider trading Poeltl. Poeltl, 29, is 2.13 meters tall and has played in 39 games for the Raptors so far this season, averaging 14.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 61.4% from the field and no three-point range.

Siegel said the Lakers are still very interested in Bulls center Vucevic. In fact, it's not crazy to see Vucevic as one of the Lakers' number one targets before the trade deadline. Vucevic has attracted interest from several teams, including the Lakers and Warriors, and the Bulls want to trade Vucevic for a first-round pick, but these teams are basically only willing to give up multiple second-round picks. So far this season, Vucevic has averaged 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, shooting 55.3% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range.

According to Windhost, the Lakers have recently negotiated with multiple teams (and previously negotiated centers such as Lowe and Kessler) without showing any positive signs, which indicates how much Lakers management is currently focused on the team's stars, according to sources. The Lakers have been reluctant to trade future first-round picks in recent seasons, and there's no sign that stance has changed. The Lakers currently have two first-round picks available for trade in 2029 and 2031.

Previously, according to Shams of The Athletic, sources revealed that James and Davis are increasingly concerned about whether the Lakers can use the team's two first-round picks to make major roster upgrades. Both James and Bushy are hoping that the team will make a move to compete for a championship, and both stars believe that the Lakers may only be one or two pieces of the puzzle away from winning the championship. It is widely believed that James and Bushy Eyebrows will be frustrated if the Lakers do not trade, but considering Pelinka's position, James's "forced palace" may not work.