As the Los Angeles Lakers navigate a pivotal offseason, rookie wing Dalton Knecht has emerged as a strong trade candidate, particularly if the team intensifies its pursuit of a premium center on the trade market. Though Knecht was selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and widely praised as a draft-night steal, league insiders suggest his name has already surfaced in exploratory trade talks as the Lakers assess ways to retool their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Knecht, a polished scorer out of Tennessee, entered the NBA with a reputation as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft class. At 6-foot-6, he possesses elite shooting mechanics, a strong frame, and the confidence to score at all three levels. In his lone season at Tennessee, he averaged 21.7 points per game, earning SEC Player of the Year honors and establishing himself as one of the nation’s most dangerous offensive threats.
For the Lakers, Knecht represents a rare mix of youth, affordability, and instant scoring ability—attributes that are valuable in today’s cap-conscious, talent-hungry NBA. However, sources close to the organization indicate that the front office is prioritizing win-now upgrades, especially at the center position, and is willing to part with assets—including promising young talent—if it means acquiring a proven contributor who can help the team contend immediately.
This direction isn’t surprising. With LeBron James opting into his $53 million player option for the 2025–26 season, the Lakers are doubling down on trying to win during what could be the final year of his storied career. While Anthony Davis remains a two-way force and one of the best bigs in the league, the Lakers have struggled with frontcourt
