The Los Angeles Lakers are still exploring trades, and Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy, and Dalton Knecht are firmly being offered. They completely revamped their roster around Luka Doncic this summer. They added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, and others to better fit around their superstar. The goals were to get more athletic, add depth, and give Doncic a roster he can maximize.
The Lakers still need a starting power forward and are looking for a reserve center (subscription required). LA already has 16 players on guaranteed contracts and can only offer the minimum in free agency. They have to make a trade to find these pieces because the purple and gold need to clear roster space and salary off their books.
This won’t be easy. The Lakers have just three second-round draft picks and one first-round swap to trade after overpaying for Walker Kessler. Fans hoping they can sweeten the package with players will be disappointed. Luka Doncic, Cameron Carr, Bronny James, Adou Thiero, and Jake LaRavia are the only other players eligible to be traded before opening night. Los Angeles isn't moving their superstar, wants to keep their three young talents, and needs a forward. There is not much wiggle room to make a deal.
The Lakers are making offers. Fans know they are interested in Jonathan Kuminga, but LA has other options worth exploring. The purple and gold have these three players on the block and are eager to get something done before training camp kicks off.
Lakers have shopped Jaden Hardy to upgrade their roster
Los Angeles acquired Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks for Deandre Ayton. Many assumed they made that deal to use the draft capital to further upgrade their roster. The trade isn’t looking good as the Lakers need a backup center and haven’t used the picks to acquire a starting forward.
Hardy had a strong close to last season after being traded to the Wizards in the Anthony Davis deal. He averaged 12.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 20.4 minutes per game over 23 contests. The 24-year-old is a bucket, who has struggled to impact winning early in his NBA career.
Hardy is set to make $6 million this season with a $6 million team option for the 2027-28 season. The team acquiring him could make this an expiring contract. The Lakers haven’t been able to find someone who values him, but it shouldn’t be costly to dump Hardy’s contract if an upgrade opportunity presents itself.
Lakers know it is time to move on from Dalton Knecht
Knecht has officially reached draft bust status. The 25-year-old showed flashes during his rookie season, but hasn’t been the same since the Lakers traded him for Mark Williams. The deal was rescinded after the deadline because of a failed physical. LA didn’t get their center, and Knecht lost his confidence.
DK averaged 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game in his second NBA season. He was a below-league-average 3-point shooter, which made it virtually impossible to keep him on the floor. Knecht has struggled mightily on the defensive end since his college days. He needs to be an offensive force to get minutes, and his confidence looks gone.
The Lakers have shopped Knecht, but can’t find a taker. The best thing for both sides is to go in a different direction. Sadly, the trade isn’t materializing. Knecht is firmly on the trade block if any team wants him.
Lakers would love to dump Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract
The purple and gold must trade Jarred Vanderbilt to offer Jonathan Kuminga anywhere near the mid-level exception in a sign-and-trade. The problem is Vando is set to make $12.4 million this season and has a $13.2 million player option for the 2027-28 season that he will all but certainly pick up. No franchise is eager to pay him for two years and wants to be compensated to do it.
The Lakers are offering a first-round pick swap to make it happen. The deal hasn’t materialized yet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t. Vando is significantly overpaid for a reserve forward who plays under 20 minutes per game. His offensive game and jumper have never developed. Vanderbilt plays stout defense, but that is virtually all he offers.
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to explore the market. They know they need help in the frontcourt before opening night. Rob Pelinka and company would love to make a trade, but the deal hasn’t materialized. It may force LA to get creative, and fans shouldn’t rule out a deal happening before training camp.
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