Dalton Knecht Emerges as Trade Chip for Lakers Ahead of NBA Deadline

Ahead of the NBA trade deadline last season, the Los Angeles Lakers made the shocking move to acquire superstar Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks. Then the team tried to address its issues in the frontcourt by trading Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and a first-round draft pick in 2031 to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams.

Initially, it was surprising that the Lakers were ready to move on from Knecht, who showed some flashes of brilliance early in his rookie campaign. However, Williams was viewed as a significant upgrade in the paint, providing the team with a consistent lob threat, with Doncic leading the charge as the primary ballhandler.

Lakers Willing to Trade Dalton Knecht

A year later, Knecht is reportedly back on the trading block ahead of the NBA trade deadline, according to Thuc Nhi Nguyen and Brad Turner of the L.A. Times.

Lakers seldom-used guard Dalton Knecht has been a player that NBA people say L.A. is willing to move in a trade, along with a second-round pick attached to him to make it work.

Last season, it was a surprise the Lakers were willing to move on from such a promising young talent, but now it makes perfect sense, as the 24-year-old hasn't lived up to expectations during his sophomore season and rarely sees the floor now as a result.

It seems as though Knecht never really recovered from the rescinded trade, which blindsided him. He doesn't appear to be the same confident player he was during the first half of last season and has shown no signs he'll break out of his current funk in Los Angeles.

A change of scenery might be the best thing for Knecht and the team, as sending him elsewhere before the Feb. 5 trade deadline seems to be realistic if the Lakers' brass believes that it would be an upgrade for the team's roster, especially on the defensive end of the floor.

Lakers Linked to Several Players Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline

With a week left for the Lakers to make moves, it remains uncertain whether the storied franchise will make a trade or two. The team has been linked to quite a few players, especially 3-and-D wings, like the New Orleans Pelicans duo of Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, and potential top trade target De'Andre Hunter of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Only time will tell if the Lakers decide to shake things up or stand pat, but it wouldn't be all that surprising if Knecht's time in Los Angeles is coming to an end.