The Lakers strengthen the inside! Intrigued Raptors center Pertel, if the contract renewal fails, or take action to steal people

On May 16, according to well-known reporter Mike Scotto, Toronto Raptors center Jacob Pelter may become the Los Angeles Lakers' signing target. Sources revealed that if the Raptors cannot reach a contract renewal agreement with the Austrian center this summer, the Lakers will closely monitor the movements of the inside player.

Currently, Pelter has the last two years left in his contract with the Raptors: his salary is US$19.5 million (about RMB 140 million) in the 2026-27 season, while there is a player option, which is also worth US$19.5 million. This means the 2.16-meter big man will take the initiative next summer and can choose whether to execute the last-year contract.

The Lakers management has recently made it clear that it will upgrade its interior configuration, especially after experiencing a 1-4 defeat to the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs this season, the team urgently needs to improve their competitiveness in the penalty area. The comprehensive ability that Pearl has shown this season is eye-catching - in 57 games that represented the Raptors, he averaged 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in 29.6 minutes. What's even more rare is that he can also send 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals, with a shooting percentage of up to 62.7%. Although three-pointers are not his main weapon, the 33.3% outside shooting percentage is enough to prevent the opponent from completely emptying.

It is worth mentioning that the Lakers' regular season performance this season is remarkable, ranking third in the West with a record of 50 wins and 32 losses. The lack of insiders is fully exposed when facing the Timberwolves' double towers in the playoffs. If you can get a defensive center like Peartel, which has both high and flexibleness, it will not only relieve James' defensive pressure, but also create more opportunities for the team to convert and attack. Whether the deal can be completed at the moment depends on the progress of the Raptors' contract renewal negotiations in the next two months.