The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of transforming their roster with a bold trade proposal from ESPN, promising to bring All-Star center Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers. If realized, this deal would mark a significant turning point in the Lakers’ championship aspirations, but it comes at a steep cost.
Trade Background
According to an article published on June 3, 2025, by Lake Show Life, ESPN has proposed a complex trade involving four teams: the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and Chicago Bulls. The centerpiece of the deal is the Lakers acquiring Jarrett Allen from the Cavaliers in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, and three first-round pick swaps. This is a hefty price, particularly as the Lakers would part with a promising young talent like Knecht and a portion of their future draft capital.
The trade is part of a larger scenario where Donovan Mitchell would be sent to the Dallas Mavericks, and the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft would go to Cleveland. For the Lakers, acquiring Allen offers a chance to address their longstanding issue at the center position—a weakness that has hindered them in recent seasons.
Jarrett Allen – The Perfect Fit for the Lakers
Jarrett Allen, 27, is a versatile All-Star center, recognized as such in the 2021-22 season. Averaging 14.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game since 2019, Allen has proven himself a reliable cornerstone on both ends of the court. His defensive prowess is particularly impressive, reducing opponents’ shooting efficiency by 7.1% within six feet of the rim and 3.7% on shots from 15 feet or beyond in the 2024-25 season. Additionally, Allen is a rebounding machine, especially on the defensive end, which would significantly improve the Lakers’ control of the boards—a critical weakness, as they ranked 26th in offensive rebounds and 27th in points in the paint last season.
Allen’s arrival would bring balance to the Lakers’ roster, particularly when paired with Luka Doncic, the superstar acquired in a prior blockbuster trade. With his pick-and-roll execution, versatile defense, and dominance in the paint, Allen would be an ideal partner for Doncic, optimizing the team’s offensive game plan. At 27, Allen is in the prime of his career, ensuring the Lakers have a dependable center for years to come.
The Cost of the Deal
However, acquiring Allen comes at a significant cost. Dalton Knecht, one of the team’s most promising shooters, averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 three-pointers per 36 minutes in his rookie season. Losing Knecht would weaken the Lakers’ wing depth. Additionally, Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent—key bench contributors—would also depart, leaving the team vulnerable to a lack of depth in supporting roles.
The three first-round pick swaps further raise the stakes, especially since the Lakers no longer control their first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029. Gambling additional future picks could hamper the team’s long-term roster-building efforts, particularly if the trade fails to deliver immediate success.
Challenges in Finalizing the Trade
While the trade holds immense potential, it faces significant hurdles. The Cleveland Cavaliers, coming off a 64-win season but a second-round playoff exit in 2025, may be reluctant to part with Allen, one of their four key stars. Convincing both Cleveland and Dallas to agree to the trade terms is a major challenge, especially as the Mavericks would need to give up the No. 1 pick (Cooper Flagg) for Donovan Mitchell, and the Cavaliers would part with an All-NBA First Team player like Mitchell.
Moreover, the Lakers must ensure their remaining roster—featuring Luka Doncic, potentially LeBron James (if he stays), and players like Austin Reaves—can compensate for the loss of depth. Rebuilding the bench and finding value in free agency will be critical to maintaining competitiveness.
Implications for the Lakers
If the trade succeeds, the Lakers would boast a formidable lineup with Luka Doncic leading the charge and Jarrett Allen anchoring the center position. This pairing of a premier offensive superstar and a versatile center could shift the balance of power in the NBA, positioning the Lakers to challenge top teams like the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets.
However, the cost is substantial, and the Lakers must carefully weigh the short-term benefits against long-term risks. Losing Knecht and future draft picks could prove costly if Allen fails to meet expectations or if the team struggles to gel.
Conclusion
ESPN’s proposed trade is a high-stakes gamble, reflecting the Lakers’ ambition to build a superteam around Luka Doncic. Jarrett Allen, with his talent and prime age, is the ideal piece to elevate the Lakers closer to a championship. However, the cost—sacrificing young talent like Dalton Knecht and future draft capital—raises questions about whether the Lakers are willing to risk their future for a shot at glory now. Only time will tell if this move proves to be a stroke of genius or a costly mistake.
