4 essential Lakers who should be untouchable in potential trade negotiations

3. Dalton Knecht

It might be a bit early to label Dalton Knecht as untouchable, but it's long past time the organization prioritizes a key young player's development. The 2024 SEC Player of the Year was a gift of a draft pick at No. 17 overall, as most had projected him to come off the board in the top 10.

A trade for a superstar changes everything, yes, but the Los Angeles Lakers would be doing themselves a disservice to not explore Knecht's upside in 2024-25—and ideally beyond.

Knecht enters the NBA as one of the most prolific scorers in his draft class. He ranked No. 1 in the SEC and No. 8 in the country at 21.7 points per game, and finished at No. 3 in the conference in three-point field goals made at 2.6 per outing.

If you're wondering how that translates to winning, Knecht led the Volunteers to the team's first Elite Elite appearance since 2010—and he scored 37 points in that final effort.

Summer League can only tell teams so much, but Knecht is making the most of his opportunity to prove that the 16 teams that passed on him were wrong to do so. He's a three-level scorer with a tremendous outside shot, as well as a 6'9" wingspan that permits positional versatility.

Head coach JJ Redick is already working with Knecht to help him prepare for his rookie campaign, and giving the first-year player anything less than a full season would be a baffling decision.

Los Angeles is finally embracing the value of quality up-and-coming talent on team-friendly contracts. Trading their most promising young player before he can prove himself would be ludicrous.