At 18-7, the Lakers are currently third in the Western Conference. The team is 7-3 in its last 10 games and is coming off a 116-114 win against the Suns on Saturday.Â
Offense is not the issue for the Lakers in 2025-26. Defensively, they are a bottom-10 team in the league this season. That’s why the team has reportedly been active in the trade market. According to NBA insiders, the Lakers could trade second-year pro Dalton Knecht ahead of the deadline on February 5.
Will the Lakers part ways with Dalton Knecht in 2025-26?
The Los Angeles Lakers have assigned guard Dalton Knecht and forward Adou Thiero to the South Bay Lakers. I believe its Knecht’s first assignment this year
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) December 15, 2025
With the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, the Lakers selected Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee. As a rookie, Los Angeles attempted to trade Knehct to the Hornets for Mark Williams. However, Williams failed his physical with the Lakers. The trade was rescinded, and Dalton Knecht played his entire rookie season with the Lakers. However, it was evident that the Lakers were less than satisfied with his production.
In 2025-26, Dalton Knecht’s production has taken a step back with Los Angeles. After averaging 9.1 points per game as a rookie, Knecht is averaging 6.4 points per game this season. Additionally, he’s playing fewer minutes per game for head coach JJ Redick. Dalton Knecht is someone Redick was high on coming out of the draft. His output for the Lakers has left the team wanting more.
🚨 Lakers have assigned Dalton Knecht to the South Bay Lakers pic.twitter.com/GQ3B26MMaQ
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) December 15, 2025
Recently, NBA insider Dan Woike reported that Dalton Knecht has been assigned to the South Bay Lakes for the first time in 2025-26. Over his last five games with Los Angeles, Knecht is averaging 5.6 points per contest. Additionally, Dalton Knect has struggled defensively. That’s why he’s seeing less playing time this season. Los Angeles has defensive inefficiencies in 2025-26. They cannot afford for Knect to add to the issue.
If Los Angeles traded Dalton Knect, what would they want back in a trade? Last season, the team was searching for a lob-threat big man to pair with Luka Doncic. The Lakers found that player this offseason in Deandre Ayton. As previously mentioned, the Lakers are a bottom-10 team on defense. General manager Rob Pelinka could look to add a defensive-minded player to the roster. NBA insiders have rumored Pelicans’ Herb Jones as a potential candidate for the Lakers.
