Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht for $165M rim runner to pair with Luka Doncic in mega deal

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a ton of moves this summer, but they still have some positions that need to be addressed. LA has been an interesting team to watch come together after LeBron James decided he would not be returning.

The center position remains a potential concern. The Lakers have added Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney, but Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts believes it could become a problem if they do not add another option.

“This signing was a gamble. Loon was a replacement-level player last season. The Lakers clearly believe he will be better, but they need another option. Going into the season with just two true centers is a problem. If Kessler is forced to miss time, the Lakers have serious issues on defense and at the five,” Watts wrote.

Los Angeles has remained active in the market for another center, whether that means adding a backup option or another potential starter.

“The Lakers are still monitoring the market for big men, team sources told The Athletic," The Athletic's Dan Woike reported. "They traded for Walker Kessler and signed Kevon Looney to play center, and Mamukelashvili can play the position, too. The team could address the position either by trade or signing, like with potentially adding Thybulle. The roster is currently at full capacity."

A trade could be in the cards before the season begins. Heavy.com’s Adel Ahmad believes the Lakers could send Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt and other assets to acquire Myles Turner in a three-team deal.

“Lakers receive: Myles Turner, Kevin Porter Jr. and a 2031 second round pick (via HOU, with ATL swap rights). Bucks receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and second round picks in 2031 and 2032 (both from LAL, with WAS swap rights). Rockets receive: Jake LaRavia and Jaden Hardy,” Ahmad wrote.

This would be the type of trade the Lakers could want to make, as it would give them a proven center while also moving on from contracts they have been trying to offload. It would also give Luka Doncic another valuable option as a pick-and-roll partner and rim runner.

Turner has made $165 million throughout his career so far. The Bucks are entering the post-Giannis Antetokounmpo era, so adding younger players in return would not be a bad direction for Milwaukee. Meanwhile, the Lakers could potentially deploy a two-big lineup featuring Kessler and Turner, giving opposing teams another matchup problem to deal with.

More NBA news: