Lakers-Pacers trade pitch swaps Dalton Knecht for $13 million spark plug with finals experience

If the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves with a prime opportunity to trade Dalton Knecht this summer, they should maximize it. 

The Lakers had high hopes for the Tennessee product after selecting him with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but he hasn’t lived up to expectations on either end of the floor thus far. As a result, Knecht’s playing time has diminished, and it seems to be only a matter of time before the two parties part ways. 

The IndyStar’s Dustin Dopirak recently proposed a deal that would see the Lakers cut ties with Knecht in favor of an Indiana Pacers second-unit spark plug with NBA Finals experience.

“He’s on a cheap contract, he has a club option for 2027-28 and he might benefit from playing in the Pacers’ wide open system,” Dopirak wrote last Wednesday. “On the flip side, the Lakers might be able to use Ben Sheppard’s defense off the bench.” 

Sheppard’s contributions during last year’s postseason unquestionably flew under the radar. The Belmont product played his role as the Pacers’ two-way energizer bunny to perfection, regularly playing pesky on-ball defense while taking advantage of his scoring opportunities.

Sheppard contributed 3.2 points while shooting 47.1% from the field and 39.5% from deep in 21 postseason contests. Sheppard’s addition wouldn’t be game-changing news for the Lakers, but it would strengthen their guard depth while allowing them to say goodbye to Knecht after an underwhelming two-year stint.

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