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The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be buyers ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline and are reportedly targeting a 3-and-D wing.
To acquire that type of player, the Lakers will need trade assets, and one name that continues to surface is second-year forward Dalton Knecht.
"The Lakers will again shop Dalton Knecht during trade season for a rotational upgrade," Evan Sidery of Forbes wrote on X.
Knecht, 24, was actually part of a February trade package for then–Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, now with the Phoenix Suns. However, that deal was ultimately rescinded due to concerns about Williams' health.
Since then, Knecht has struggled to carve out a consistent role under head coach JJ Redick.
His situation took another step Tuesday night, when he was assigned to the Lakers' G League affiliate, South Bay, for the first time.
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NBA reporter Jovan Buha has also identified Knecht as one of the Lakers' most likely trade candidates, whether during the season or over the summer.
Selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht is averaging 6.4 points on 47.1% shooting from the field and 36.2% from three, along with 1.9 rebounds per game across 20 appearances this season.