The Los Angeles Lakers will make additional roster moves. By NBA rule, the Lakers must trim their roster to meet the mandated limit.
After a disappointing sophomore season, Dalton Knecht, whom the Lakers drafted in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, figures to be the odd man out.
Knecht, 25, still has upside potential and could find his rhythm elsewhere, but the Lakers don’t have time to waste. Luka Doncic, the face of the franchise, is 27 and entering his prime. Championship windows don’t last forever. Given Knecht’s age, the Lakers could package him a deal that brings back a strong contributor off the bench. One intriguing option could be former Laker guard Malik Monk.
Lakers Should Move Dalton Knecht in a Deal That Brings Back Scoring Machine Off the Bench
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 10: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a three point shot during the second half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
With Knecht entering his third season, it is fair to assume that he has one more year to prove himself in the NBA. If he does, he may have a future in the league. If not, teams may not be willing to give him another chance.
In a hypothetical scenario, the Lakers send Knecht to the rebuilding Sacramento Kings to help him find his footing in the league. Here’s a proposed framework that also involves the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons.
Lakers receive: Malik Monk and a second round pick
Wolves receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Daniss Jenkins and a 2029 second round pick (via DET)
Kings receive: Dalton Knecht and two second round picks (via LAL)
Pistons receive: Donte DiVincenzo
In this scenario, all four teams come away with plenty of upside.
The Lakers get their hands on a proven bench scorer in Monk, who played in L.A. in the 2021-22 season. The Wolves grab a starting power forward, which they’ve been needing, in Vanderbilt, a former fan-favorite in Minnesota, while the Pistons, arguably the biggest winners in this deal, receive DiVincenzo, a proven playoff starter to help ease scoring duties for ascending superstar point guard Cade Cunningham.
For Sacramento, moving Monk in this deal wipes out a whopping $20 million in payroll and generates over $25 million in apron space. That and the opportunity to experiment with a young player gives Sacramento plenty of incentive to agree to this trade.
For the Lakers, landing Monk, who averaged nearly 13 points per game and shot 39.5 percent from the 3-point line last season, could be a gamechanging pickup.
L.A. Poised to Move on from Knecht
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 28: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to Dalton Knecht #4 during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
According to Lakers analyst Trevor Lane, the Lakers, in an attempt to trim their roster, could narrow their decision down to Knecht and Bronny James. After struggling in his second season, Knecht could be out the door.
“Frankly, it’s unfortunate, but Bronny was better than Dalton last year. And it wasn’t particularly close,” Lane said. “… I think there’s a world where the Lakers could waive Dalton Knecht … I think there’s a world where waiving Dalton Knecht makes the most sense.”
Added Lane: “Let’s face it, if Dalton Knecht doesn’t bounce back next year, there’s a chance he’s not playing in the NBA next season.”
If the Lakers decide to move on from Knecht, formulating a multi-team deal to bring back a contributing asset could be the smartest way to go.
Lakers Proposed to Cut Ties With Dalton Knecht in 4-Team Trade for Malik Monk