Lakers predicted to acquire $73.8 million six-time All-Star in Dalton Knecht-centered trade

Mar 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the New York Knicks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers don’t need extra motivation to execute a trade this week. 

Dalton Knecht is no longer interested in continuing his NBA career with the Lakers, and the franchise is still on the market for a two-way perimeter-oriented stud. 

In a thought-provoking trade idea created by Sports Illustrated’s Gray Deyo, the Lakers would cut ties with Knecht in favor of a six-time All-Star forward before the upcoming deadline. 

“The Lakers get better through this mock trade (Knecht, Jake LaRavia, and Rui Hachimura, and a 2030 first-round pick to the Sacramento Kings for Demar DeRozan) despite losing a solid piece in LaRavia.”

“Los Angeles gets an efficient veteran scorer with seven years of playoff experience under his belt with DeRozan. With the defensive intensity rising in the playoffs, it produces crucial half-court offensive sets. DeRozan thrives in half-court sets and in big moments, both traits contributing to improving the outlook for the Lakers' season.”

“The one thing that Los Angeles would have to figure out in this mock deal is compromise on the offensive end. When Austin Reaves comes back from injury, combining his offensive game with DeRozan, James, and Luka Doncic will be difficult, but it can be done.”

DeRozan hasn’t been in a competitive NBA environment in years. The USC product’s last playoff appearance came during the 2021-22 campaign with the Chicago Bulls. It didn’t last long, though, as the Milwaukee Bucks eliminated the Bulls in a quick five-game first-round series. 

DeRozan is currently on a Kings squad that’s destined to finish at the bottom of the Western Conference. Still, the former Toronto Raptors star is making the best of his situation, as he’s contributing 19.2 points per game while shooting 50.6% from the field and a career-best 34.3% from three-point land.

DeRozan’s patented mid-range game, clutch shot-making late in games, and improved three-point shooting make him a contributor the Lakers shouldn’t turn their nose up at.

Of course, the right opportunity must present itself for the Lakers to acquire the proven 36-year-old veteran.

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