Lakers news
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The gist
Lakers confident they can trade Dalton Knecht, an $18 million disappointment.
Why care: They need roster moves before the 2026-27 season starts.
Background
The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the 2026-27 NBA season but have roster gaps, especially at power forward after LeBron James left. They are reportedly confident they can trade Dalton Knecht, who has underperformed relative to his $18 million salary, to free up cap space and add a better-fitting player. The team is also exploring other targets like Bruce Brown and Derrick Jones Jr. to strengthen the roster around Luka Doncic.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2, 2026Reports indicate the Lakers are confident they can find a trade suitor for Dalton Knecht, who is seen as an $18 million disappointment.
- Sep 3, 2026Reports link the Lakers to Bruce Brown and other free agents as they look to add talent despite being over the roster limit.
- Sep 4, 2026A Lakers reporter pours cold water on the idea of trading for Derrick Jones Jr., citing limited trade assets due to the Stepien Rule.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- The Lakers are confident they can trade Knecht, but it remains to be seen if they succeed before the season.
- Caution
- The Lakers have limited trade assets, making a deal for a player like Derrick Jones Jr. difficult.
Still unverified
Reports of the Lakers' confidence in trading Knecht are based on unnamed sources and have not been confirmed by the team.