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The Los Angeles Lakers held interest in several frontcourt targets earlier this season, but ultimately settled for sharpshooter Luke Kennard.
Fortunately, the upcoming offseason will give the 17-time NBA champions another chance to pursue forwards/centers who previously piqued their interest.
According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, the Lakers are expected to essentially re-target a New Orleans Pelicans All-Rookie center (2024-25) this summer and could use Dalton Knecht to help them close the deal.
“The Lakers are expected to circle back on trade interest involving Yves Missi,” Sidery wrote on X/Twitter Friday.
“Los Angeles and the (New Orleans) Pelicans had previously discussed during the season a framework of Dalton Knecht and 2nd-round draft capital for Missi.”
Although Missi’s production with the Pelicans took a hit in Year 2, the Baylor product remains a high-energy, durable big man who’s efficient around the rim and has proven to be a high-upside interior defender in the big leagues.
Missi averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in New Orleans this season, shooting 54.4% from the field in 66 contests. The Lakers should have zero issues re-igniting trade talks for a Knecht-centered deal for Missi, given that the Tennessee product's future with Los Angeles isn’t as bright as it once was.
Missi isn’t the most high-profile big man on the trade market, but it would make sense for the Lakers to inquire about him, as well as other frontcourt studs this summer.
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