Nov 15, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) shoots during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) shoots during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers look very different from what they did one year ago. With LeBron James out and replaced by Walker Kessler (among others), the team endured a major roster overhaul that will take time to fully adjust. But, according to the latest intel, they may not be fully done making tweaks to their star-studded roster.
This week, one insider confirmed that the Purple and Gold are still actively pursuing a trade for two young role players: Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt. No deal is imminent right now, but GM Rob Pelinka could package one or both in a trade to pursue help at the forward spot.
“I do think that the Lakers are still going to be looking at potentially trading Dalton [Knecht], Jarred Vanderbilt,” said NBA insider Jake Fischer. “I think there’s plenty of time here before they have to make a decision. They do, I believe, still want to make some type of trade upgrade at the wing/forward spot after missing out on Jonathan Kuminga. I do think the Lakers are incomplete right now moving forward.”
The Lakers already have one of the best backcourts in the league with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili will likely take up most of the minutes at power forward and center, leaving guys like Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle, and Jake LaRavia to fill out the bench. As it stands, their biggest hole is at the small forward, a position they were hoping Jonathan Kuminga could fill.
But with Kuminga officially joining the Timberwolves, the Lakers will have to get a bit more creative with any further moves. With limited cap space, a trade is really the only path to change, and that’s why the Lakers are determined to find a trade for Knecht or Vanderbilt’s contract.
At 25, Dalton Knecht is still developing his game, but the Lakers have not been conducive to his success so far. From his rookie season to his sophomore campaign, Knecht’s stats dipped across the board as he struggled to earn a place in JJ Redick’s rotation. Things haven’t been the same for Knecht since his trade to the Hornets was rescinded, and the feeling is that a change of scenery would serve him well. With career averages of 7.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game on 46.0% shooting, it’s unclear what teams would trade for Dalton, but he would fit well on a younger roster with minimal expectations. In such a scenario, the Lakers could make roster space by sending him to a rebuilding team in exchange for a pair of second-round picks or a veteran role player.
Vanderbilt, meanwhile, has been in trade talks for months following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. As much as he’s hailed for his perimeter defense, the 6’8″ forward is a complete no-show offensively, making him virtually unplayable in most matchups. Still, he might provide positive value in the right situation, and his contract (with two years and $25 million remaining) is easier to trade since he’s making roughly $12 million a year (with a player option for 2027-28). In 65 games last season, Vanderbilt averaged 4.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 47.1% shooting.
Whether it’s through a signing or some form of trade, the Lakers have plans to tweak their lineup further. With the competition so steep in the West, every move matters, and only the teams with the most complete roster will have a chance for the crown. So, until the Lakers are satisfied with their team, we can expect them to continue monitoring the market in hopes of making one more addition.