Basketball is a funny business, especially in Los Angeles. One day you’re the steal of the draft, and the next, you're the centerpiece of every "trade machine" screenshot on Twitter. That's exactly where we are with the latest Lakers trade rumors Dalton Knecht has been swept into as the February 5th deadline looms.
Honestly, it feels like forever ago when the Lakers grabbed Knecht at No. 17. People were doing backflips. A ready-made shooter for LeBron James? A guy who could burn the nets from the jump? Fast forward to January 2026, and the vibe has shifted. Hard.
The Lakers are sitting at 24-14, which is fine, I guess. It's fifth in the West. But let’s be real: with a 41-year-old LeBron and a prime Luka Dončić—who arrived in that franchise-altering move last season—"fine" doesn't cut it. The defense is ranked 24th in the league. It’s leaky. And Dalton Knecht, for all his collegiate scoring pedigree, has found himself on the outside of JJ Redick’s rotation looking in.
Why the Lakers trade rumors Dalton Knecht are heating up now
The math just isn't mathing for Knecht in LA right now. He’s averaging about 5.1 points in 13 minutes a game. His three-point clip has dipped to 31.1%. When you’re a "shooter" who isn't hitting shots and struggles to stay in front of NBA-level wings on the other end, minutes disappear. Redick has basically parked him on the bench or sent him down to the South Bay Lakers to find his rhythm.
💡 You might also like: Navy Notre Dame Football: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
But here’s the thing. Knecht still has value. He’s 24, on a cheap rookie deal (about $4 million), and teams like the Jazz or Pacers always look at guys like him and think, “I can fix him.” The Lakers are desperate for "3-and-D" wings. They need guys who can handle the dirty work so Luka and LeBron can focus on being, well, Luka and LeBron. Rumor has it Rob Pelinka is looking to package Knecht with guys like Gabe Vincent or Jarred Vanderbilt to bring in a legitimate defensive anchor.
The targets: Who could the Lakers actually get?
It’s not just about dumping a prospect. It’s about the return. Several names are floating around the ether right now:
- Keon Ellis (Kings): This is the one you keep hearing. Ellis is a defensive pest and a career 41% shooter from deep. He fits the "JJ Redick mold" perfectly. The Kings have a crowded backcourt, and the Lakers reportedly tried to move Knecht for him recently.
- Daniel Gafford (Mavericks): This one is spicy. A proposed deal has the Lakers sending Knecht, Gabe Vincent, and a 2031 first-round pick to Dallas for Gafford and Dante Exum. The Lakers need rim protection—Deandre Ayton is there, but he’s inconsistent—and Gafford is a lob threat that Luka already knows how to use.
- Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors): This is the "swing for the fences" move. Kuminga is disgruntled in Golden State, and the Lakers are emerged as a dark horse. It would likely take way more than just Knecht, but he’d be the starting point of the youth package.
- Dillon Brooks (Suns): Yes, that Dillon Brooks. Currently in Phoenix, he’s exactly the kind of "love him or hate him" defender the Lakers' 24th-ranked defense needs.
The Austin Reaves factor
You can’t talk about Lakers trade rumors Dalton Knecht without mentioning Austin Reaves. Reaves is currently sidelined with a calf injury, but he’s due for a massive extension this summer. Rich Paul (LeBron’s agent) has reportedly hinted at moving Reaves for a superstar, though LeBron publicly shut that down, saying "AR knows how I feel about him."
📖 Related: LeBron James Without Beard: Why the King Rarely Goes Clean Shaven Anymore
If the Lakers decide Reaves is untouchable, Knecht becomes their only real "young asset" with any sort of pedigree. That puts a massive target on his back. If a team like Brooklyn or Portland wants a young wing to develop in exchange for a veteran who can help LA right now, Knecht is the first person in the box.
The G-League reality vs. NBA potential
A lot of fans are frustrated. Why send the kid to South Bay? Well, he shot roughly 32% in Summer League and hasn't really recovered. The NBA is a "make or miss" league, and right now, the Lakers are in "win now" mode. They don't have the luxury of letting a 24-year-old "rookie" (well, sophomore) find his legs during a playoff push.
It’s kinda sad, honestly. Everyone wanted the Tennessee version of Dalton—the guy who could drop 30 on anyone. Instead, we’re seeing a guy who looks a step slow on closeouts and hesitant to let it fly.
👉 See also: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
What should the Lakers do?
If I’m Rob Pelinka, I’m looking at the Keon Ellis deal very seriously. You’re not giving up a future superstar in Knecht—you’re giving up a specialist who hasn't specialized yet. By moving him for a proven commodity like Ellis or even targeting a Herb Jones (though New Orleans wants two firsts for him, which is a big ask), you immediately raise your defensive ceiling.
The Lakers have a 2032 first-round pick they are trying to "deconstruct" into multiple smaller picks, similar to what the Suns did last year. Using those assets along with Knecht might be the only way to convince a team to part with a high-level starter.
Common misconceptions about Knecht's trade value
- "He's a bust": Way too early for that. He's a second-year player in a high-pressure environment. He just might need a change of scenery where he can miss five shots in a row without being yanked.
- "The Lakers won't trade him because of the LeBron connection": LeBron wants rings. If trading Knecht gets him a wing who can guard Anthony Edwards or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he’s packing Dalton's bags himself.
- "His contract is too small to return anyone good": That’s why he’s always paired with Gabe Vincent ($11.5M) or Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.7M). Those "salary filler" spots are key.
Looking ahead to the February 5th deadline
The clock is ticking. The Lakers are 24-14, but they feel fragile. One injury to Luka or LeBron and the whole thing collapses. They need depth. They need defense. And unfortunately for the former Tennessee star, his name is the most moveable piece on the board.
Whether it’s a small move for a guy like Keon Ellis or a blockbuster for someone like Kuminga, expect the Lakers trade rumors Dalton Knecht to dominate the headlines for the next three weeks.
Next Steps for Following This Story:
Keep a close eye on the Lakers' injury reports. With Reaves and Hachimura dealing with calf issues, Knecht might get one last "showcase" opportunity to either prove he belongs in the rotation or pump up his trade value for rival GMs. Monitor the "DNP-CD" (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision) counts in the box scores; if Knecht stays on the bench during this injury stretch, a trade is almost a certainty. Finally, watch the "minutes played" for Keon Ellis in Sacramento; if he starts seeing fewer minutes, it’s a signal that the Kings are preparing to move him.