The Los Angeles Lakers are at a crossroads with second-year forward Dalton Knecht, whose trade value has sparked intense debate across the NBA. Initially viewed as a promising scorer when drafted 17th overall, Knecht’s stock has plummeted due to glaring defensive deficiencies and inconsistent shooting compared to his college days at Tennessee. The Lakers’ failed attempt to trade him to the Charlotte Hornets—canceled after Mark Williams’ physical fell through—revealed just how little the league values him as a trade asset. However, a stunning twist has emerged: the Lakers’ real strategy to leverage Knecht in a trade doesn’t hinge on draft picks but on a bold player-for-player swap involving a surprising name.
Knecht’s Struggles: A Trade Value in Freefall
Knecht’s summer league performances and early NBA showings have done little to inspire confidence. Despite being a talented scorer, his defensive lapses have been a glaring issue. As reported by The Athletic’s Dan Woike on October 8, 2025, “Even as Knecht was scoring, scouts around the NBA couldn’t ignore the holes in his game, particularly on the defensive end, where he was often out of position.” These concerns, which partly explain why he fell to the 17th pick, have only been amplified in the eyes of NBA evaluators.
At 24 years old, Knecht is older than most second-year players, reducing his long-term upside. His shooting, once a strength, has been less reliable in the pros, making him an incomplete 3-and-D prospect. The Lakers’ initial trade package to Charlotte included an unprotected 2031 first-round pick to sweeten the deal, a sign of how little Knecht alone commands on the market. According to Woike, some NBA scouts believe Knecht might fetch only a single second-round pick, while optimists suggest multiple second-rounders at best. With the rise of NIL money keeping talent in college, second-round picks offer minimal flexibility for a team like the Lakers, who are desperate for a splashy move to bolster their championship hopes.
The Lakers’ Dilemma: Play Knecht or Pivot?
To boost Knecht’s trade value, the Lakers face a risky decision: give him more playing time to showcase his potential or accept his diminished stock and shift focus to a bigger trade. Increased minutes could prove Knecht’s worth as a scorer, but it also risks exposing his defensive weaknesses further, potentially tanking his value even more. Head coach JJ Redick, seen strategizing with Knecht during a November 13, 2024, game at Crypto.com Arena, must weigh whether Knecht can develop into a reliable rotation player or if his limitations are too glaring to overcome.
If Knecht’s value doesn’t rebound, the Lakers may need to rethink their roster entirely. With only one tradeable first-round pick (2031), Los Angeles lacks the assets for a blockbuster deal unless they pivot to a more valuable trade chip. This is where the shocking revelation comes in: the Lakers are reportedly considering a player-for-player swap, and the name at the center isn’t a draft pick—it’s Austin Reaves.
The Shocking Trade Chip: Austin Reaves
While Knecht’s trade value has cratered, Austin Reaves remains one of the Lakers’ most intriguing assets. The third-year guard has proven himself as a reliable scorer and playmaker, averaging 15.9 points and 5.5 assists per game last season while shooting 41.3% from three. At 26, Reaves is younger than Knecht and has shown more defensive versatility, making him a far more attractive trade piece. However, parting with Reaves would be a bold move, as he’s a fan favorite and a key part of the Lakers’ supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers’ front office reportedly sees Reaves as the key to landing a true star, someone who could serve as Luka Doncic’s long-term co-star or a similar high-impact player. While Reaves isn’t at Doncic’s level, his value around the league is significantly higher than Knecht’s. A player-for-player swap involving Reaves could net a proven veteran or an emerging talent capable of elevating the Lakers’ championship odds. For example, a trade for a two-way wing or a defensive-minded big could address the team’s glaring weaknesses, particularly on the defensive end.
Why Reaves Over Picks?
The Lakers’ decision to prioritize a player-for-player swap over draft picks makes sense given their limited assets. With only one first-round pick available, packaging it with Knecht doesn’t move the needle for most teams. Reaves, however, is a proven commodity who could appeal to rebuilding teams or contenders looking for a versatile guard. His contract, a four-year, $53.8 million deal signed in 2023, is team-friendly, making him an attractive piece for salary-matching purposes.
Moreover, trading Reaves before he hits free agency in 2026 could maximize his value. Waiting too long risks losing him for nothing or being forced to overpay to keep him. If the Lakers believe Reaves isn’t the long-term answer alongside LeBron and AD, flipping him now for a star who can contribute immediately aligns with their win-now mentality.
The Risk and Reward of a Bold Move
Trading Reaves would be a high-stakes gamble. On one hand, it could land the Lakers a transformative player, addressing their need for a third star or a high-impact role player. On the other hand, moving Reaves for anything less than a game-changer could backfire, especially if Knecht continues to struggle and fails to fill the void. The Lakers must also consider the optics of trading a homegrown talent like Reaves, who has endeared himself to fans with his hustle and clutch performances.
For now, the Lakers are stuck in a holding pattern with Knecht, hoping he can regain some of his pre-draft hype. But the real trade chip isn’t a future pick or even Knecht himself—it’s Austin Reaves, whose value could unlock the blockbuster deal Los Angeles desperately needs. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office to see if they pull the trigger on this shocking swap.