Lakers Eyeing Trade for Dalton Knecht Amid Roster Crunch
Los Angeles Lakers are actively seeking to trade Dalton Knecht as they face a roster surplus before the upcoming season.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly looking to move wing player Dalton Knecht before the NBA season opener, as the team currently carries 16 players, exceeding the league's roster limit. This situation has prompted the Lakers to explore trade options for multiple players, including Jarred Vanderbilt, though efforts for him have reportedly been unsuccessful.
According to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, Knecht is not expected to remain with the Lakers long-term. "[Dalton Knecht] will not be apart of this roster long-term," Siegel stated. Both Knecht and Vanderbilt have been identified as players potentially on the move as the Lakers navigate roster adjustments.
Vanderbilt is in the final year of his four-year, $48 million contract and is owed $12 million for the current season. The Lakers' previous attempt to trade Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets in February 2025, in exchange for center Mark Williams, was rescinded.
The Lakers drafted Knecht with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, holding high expectations for the young forward. He showed flashes of potential during his rookie season, averaging 18.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in the final nine games of November 2024. However, his performance and confidence appear to have wavered following the attempted trade.
With the roster crunch imminent, the Lakers are actively seeking a new opportunity for Knecht where he might have a more significant role.