The Los Angeles Lakers are currently 28–17 overall. While they've managed to stay afloat despite key injuries this season, there's growing speculation that moves may be needed if they want to contend for an NBA championship.
By next week's Feb. 5 trade deadline, the Lakers could target several players, with their biggest need appearing to be a defensive-minded, two-way wing. Names mentioned early on include Herbert Jones, DeAndre Hunter, Trey Murphy, and Naji Marshall, according to the LA Times.
All that said, acquiring new players would require some roster pieces to move. One name emerging in trade rumors once again is former 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht, according to Brad Turner of the LA Times.
While Knecht likely wouldn't be the centerpiece of any deal, the Lakers appear interested in offloading his contract - even reportedly willing to include a 2032 second-round pick to make it happen.
Knecht's time in Los Angeles hit a clear roadblock at last year's trade deadline. Despite playing well, the Lakers dealt him to the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that would have brought center Mark Williams to L.A. The deal ultimately fell apart after Williams failed his physical, forcing the trade to be rescinded after it had already gone public.
As a result, Knecht returned to the Lakers as a rookie, fully aware that the organization had already attempted to move him - an awkward situation that has continued to linger as his name resurfaces in trade talks once again.
This season, Knecht has struggled to carve out a consistent role, largely due to defensive limitations at a time when the Lakers are in desperate need of reliable defense. After averaging 19.2 minutes and 9.1 points per game as a rookie, his role has diminished significantly, as he's now averaging just 12.5 minutes and 4.8 points per game.
Newsweek