The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to make a bold and decisive roster move by parting ways with small forward Dalton Knecht, whose $18.48 million contract has become a burden following his underwhelming performance in the 2025 NBA Summer League. Once hailed as a promising first-round pick, Knecht’s struggles have forced the Lakers’ front office to reconsider his place on a team built around superstars Luka Dončić and LeBron James. With the franchise in win-now mode, this decision, though harsh, reflects their urgency to maximize their championship window.
Dalton Knecht, selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, entered the league with high expectations as a sharpshooting wing. However, his 2025 Summer League performance was a stark disappointment. Averaging just 10.3 points per game, Knecht shot a dismal 27.9% from the field and an even worse 23.8% from beyond the arc. His offensive inefficiency was compounded by defensive lapses, raising red flags about his readiness to contribute to a contending team. For a player expected to provide perimeter shooting, these numbers have significantly diminished his trade value and put his roster spot in jeopardy.
At 26, Luka Dončić is in the prime of his career, while LeBron James, at 40, continues to defy age with elite-level play. The Lakers are not in a position to patiently develop young talent, especially when their core is built around two of the NBA’s biggest stars. The front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is focused on acquiring proven veterans who can contribute immediately to a championship push. With limited draft capital and a tight salary cap, Knecht’s contract—while modest compared to star players—has become a valuable asset for potential trades, making him a prime candidate for a roster shake-up.
The Lakers are reportedly exploring trade options to offload Knecht in exchange for a more reliable contributor. Two teams, the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns, have emerged as potential trade partners. One rumored target is Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen, who offers the shooting and defensive reliability the Lakers desperately need. In the 2024-25 season, Allen averaged 10.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 53.0% from the field and 42.6% from three—numbers that dwarf Knecht’s Summer League output.
A potential trade could see Knecht packaged with additional assets, such as second-round picks or another role player, to bring in a veteran like Allen. This move would bolster the Lakers’ wing depth and provide a floor-spacing guard to complement Dončić’s playmaking and James’ versatility.
|
Player |
Points Per Game (2025 SL) |
FG% (2025 SL) |
3P% (2025 SL) |
Age |
Experience |
Trade Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dalton Knecht |
10.3 |
27.9% |
23.8% |
22 |
2 years |
Low |
|
Grayson Allen |
10.6 |
53.0% |
42.6% |
29 |
9 years |
High |
This comparison underscores why the Lakers are leaning toward moving Knecht. Allen’s efficiency and experience make him a better fit for a team chasing a title, while Knecht’s youth and potential are better suited for a team with a longer developmental timeline.
Benefits
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Lakers: Trading Knecht would free up roster space and salary cap flexibility to acquire a veteran who can contribute immediately. A player like Grayson Allen would improve the team’s perimeter shooting and defensive balance, addressing key weaknesses.
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Receiving Team: Teams like the Heat or Suns could view Knecht as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. As a former first-round pick, he still has the potential to develop into a reliable rotation player with proper coaching and opportunity.
-
Dalton Knecht: A fresh start elsewhere could be exactly what Knecht needs. A less pressure-packed environment with more playing time could help him regain confidence in his shooting and address his defensive shortcomings.
Risks
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Lakers: If Knecht develops into a star elsewhere, the Lakers risk losing a valuable asset for minimal return, especially given his current low trade value.
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Receiving Team: Taking on Knecht comes with the risk that his Summer League struggles are indicative of deeper issues, potentially limiting his upside.
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Loss of Depth: Trading Knecht could thin the Lakers’ bench if the return package fails to deliver a quality rotation player.
At 6’6”, Knecht possesses the size and skill set to be a productive NBA wing, but his inability to translate his college scoring prowess to the professional level has raised concerns. His defensive inconsistencies are particularly problematic for a Lakers team that needs reliable two-way players to compete in the Western Conference. With Dončić and James leading the charge, the Lakers cannot afford to wait for Knecht to develop, especially when his $18.48 million contract could be used to acquire a more polished contributor.
Teams like the Miami Heat or Phoenix Suns, with established player development systems, could provide Knecht with the opportunity to rebuild his value. For the Lakers, however, the priority is clear: maximize the current roster to chase a championship.
The Lakers stand to gain the most if they can turn Knecht into a reliable veteran who addresses their immediate needs. A player like Grayson Allen would provide the shooting and defensive stability to complement Dončić and James, potentially elevating the team to contender status. The receiving team could benefit from Knecht’s upside as a cost-controlled young player, while Knecht himself gets a chance to revive his career in a new system.
However, the move is not without risk. If Knecht blossoms into a star elsewhere, the Lakers could regret this decision. For now, though, the franchise’s focus is on the present, and cutting ties with Knecht aligns with their all-in approach for a championship in 2025.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to part ways with Dalton Knecht is a harsh but pragmatic move driven by their championship ambitions. With Luka Dončić and LeBron James leading the way, the team cannot afford to invest in a struggling young player, no matter his potential. Trading Knecht for a proven veteran like Grayson Allen could provide the missing piece for a deep playoff run, but it comes with the risk of losing a player who could haunt them in the future. For now, the Lakers are betting on immediate impact over long-term potential—a gamble that could define their 2025 season.