Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht for $40M high-energy defensive pest with Finals experience

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James grew apart after almost a decade together, ushering in a new era. LA will now lean on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as they look to make deep postseason runs.

The Lakers have put themselves in a tough position, as they have one player over the allowed roster limit. They have been trying to clear a spot by trading players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht.

“The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks. After gaining two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade, Los Angeles could consolidate those assets in a deal immediately for a starting-caliber wing," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

While that was earlier in the summer, it still seems like LA is trying to find a trade partner for the two.

“I do think that the Lakers are still going to be looking at potentially trading Dalton [Knecht], Jarred Vanderbilt," Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer said. "I think there's plenty of time here before they have to make a decision. They do, I believe, still want to make some type of trade upgrade at the wing/forward spot after missing out on Jonathan Kuminga. I do think that the Lakers are incomplete right now moving forward."

Heavy.com’s Alder Almo has proposed a trade package that would send the duo and a draft pick to the Indiana Pacers for Aaron Nesmith.

“Los Angeles Lakers receive: Aaron Nesmith. Indiana Pacers receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap,” Almo wrote.

This would be a nice deal for the Lakers to make, as they are just looking for someone who is going to make an immediate impact. Nesmith can be used in different roles with the squad, and most importantly, he is an absolute hustler.

Nesmith is currently on a $40 million contract with Indiana. LA could use a guy like Nesmith, as he could be plugged into the role they were going to give to Jonathan Kuminga. This deal works out for the Lakers, as they get a potential starter while getting rid of the two guys they have been attempting to move all summer.

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