The Los Angeles Lakers have to trade Dalton Knecht to push further into title contention. Luka Doncic wants to win now, and Knecht isn’t ready to contribute. The second-year wing got opportunities, but failed to capitalize on them. Knecht averaged just 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game over 54 contests this season. His playing time was down from his rookie year, and it is clearly time to move on.
The 6’6 wing is set to make $4.2 million next season and simply doesn’t fit. Knecht struggles on defense and was passed by rookie Adou Thiero in the playoff rotation. He turned 25 in April. Knecht should be in his prime, but he has been far from the dominant offensive force the Lakers thought they were drafting. It is now or never for the first-round draft pick, and Los Angeles cannot afford to play him significant minutes unless he’s helping them win.
The Lakers traded Knecht as part of the package for Mark Williams, but the deal was rescinded after the big man failed his physical. Knecht’s value has only gone down, but that shouldn’t deter LA. The purple and gold need the roster spot and should look to finally move on from the 6’6 wing for good.
Lakers have to trade Dalton Knecht for win-now help
Knecht isn’t the NBA’s typical first-round draft pick. He played five years of college basketball and turned 25 in 2026. Knecht should be entering his prime already.
The Lakers are trying to build a title contender around Luka Doncic. They need shooting, defense, and a center upgrade. Knecht is a subpar defender and needs the ball in his hands too much. The 6’6 wing has the size Los Angeles desires, but they’d need him to turn into a lethal catch-and-shoot option virtually overnight.
The Lakers want to retool their roster this offseason. LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennad, and Jaxson Hayes are unrestricted free agents. Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart have player options in their contracts. LA wants to add more depth and make the pieces fit better around Luka. Doncic has plenty of say over the moves, and it is clear that trading Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt should be high on the priority list.
This move is inevitable. Knecht’s minutes went down from his rookie year. He isn’t suddenly transforming into the defender and shooter Los Angeles needs. The Lakers already traded him once and will have to move on. It is a matter of when, not if, at this stage.
Expect a summer of change for the iconic franchise. They plan on re-signing Austin Reaves, but the roster around their two stars will be different. The Lakers want to jump into serious title contention, which means trimming the fat, too.
The Los Angeles Lakers have to trade Dalton Knecht for win-now help. Luka Doncic is in his prime and eager to help the purple and gold win a title. Knecht isn’t ready to assist him. The 25-year-old is no longer a prospect, so the Lakers have to move on. Everyone knows this move is long overdue.
Add us as a preferred source on Google