Los Angeles Lakers may shift away from chasing a star and instead focus on a depth-focused trade before the Feb 5 deadline. A proposed three-team deal would see the Lakers move Dalton Knecht in exchange for three rotation players, aiming to improve balance and defense without sacrificing multiple future assets.
With the Los Angeles Lakers short on trade assets, the front office may be forced to shift its focus from chasing a major name to making smaller, more realistic roster moves ahead of the Feb 5 trade deadline.
Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht
MIN: 13.37
PTS: 5.12 (46.06%)
REB: 1.67
As: 0.39
ST: 0.24
BL: 0.27
TO: 0.48
GM: 33
Rather than targeting a high-level 3-D wing, the Lakers could look to add depth pieces to support a top-heavy core built around Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and a 41-year-old LeBron James. The goal would be to stabilize the rotation and improve defensive flexibility without giving up too much future value.
The Athletic’s Dan Woike recently outlined a three-team trade framework that reflects that approach.
Proposed trade scenario:
Lakers receive: Saddiq Bey (Pelicans), Devin Carter (Kings), Keon Ellis (Kings)
Pelicans receive: Dalton Knecht (Lakers), Doug McDermott (Kings), 2 future second-round picks
Kings receive: Maxi Kleber (Lakers), Lakers 2031 first-round pick (top 10 protected)
The idea behind the deal is not to land a star, but to bring in multiple rotation players who could help immediately while keeping the Lakers competitive.
“These are the kinds of players the Lakers could be realistically targeting, minus Carter, who would be a buy-low candidate with defensive upside,” Woike wrote. “Bey is on a good contract, and Ellis has several admirers around the league. Would you trust either of them to play big minutes as a primary defender in a playoff series?”
Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix
That question highlights the main issue facing Los Angeles. The Lakers know what they need, but paying for those needs is the challenge.
Woike has repeatedly noted that rival teams are asking for young players and draft picks in return, and the Lakers do not have many of either.
“This trade is the biggest issue the Lakers face before the Feb. 5 deadline,” Woike explained. “Potential trade partners want young players and picks in deals, and L.A.’s young players don’t have value. That leaves them with one first-round pick to dangle.”
That future first-round pick in 2031 is the most valuable asset the Lakers can offer.
“And if they’re going to trade that pick,” Woike added, “they cannot take back a collection of bench players who probably won’t get the team meaningfully closer to winning this year.”
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