Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht for $45M sniper, NBA champion in 3-team blockbuster

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 are still looking to add to their roster despite having a very busy offseason. They are bringing back only two starters from last season’s starting lineup, which will make for a significant adjustment heading into the new season.

Overall, the summer has gone fairly well for the Lakers and the players they have targeted and acquired. There have not been many misses for Los Angeles, but the team is still looking to make more moves. The Lakers have actively shopping 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 in July.

The Lakers are also currently one player over the roster limit, meaning they will have to trade or release someone before the roster is finalized. Lakers insider Jovan Buha believes Knecht could be the odd man out.

“It doesn't really matter from a financial perspective unless you're waiving someone who's got additional years. So, I guess it's a competition between Bronny, Jaden Hardy, and Dalton Knecht. I think I'd probably lean Dalton," Buha said. "If any of the other wings get injured, it's just play one of the other wings more minutes, and it's not put Dalton in the rotation. So, he's the one that's the most expendable."

Los Angeles will likely try to strike a deal involving Knecht before reaching that point. Heavy.com’s Adel Ahmad believes the Lakers could trade Knecht in a massive three-team deal that would bring NBA champion Sam Hauser and Gary Harris to Los Angeles.

“In a proposed trade involving the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons, the Lakers get Sam Hauser, Gary Harris and two second round picks in 2028 (one via DET). The Boston Celtics Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht, while the Pistons land defensive ace Jarred Vanderbilt,” Ahmad wrote.

Getting Hauser would be a major addition for the Lakers, especially alongside Luka Doncic, who could create plenty of open looks for the elite shooter. Hauser is one of the NBA's best perimeter shooters and could provide Los Angeles with another reliable floor-spacing option.

Hauser is currently on a $45 million deal with the Boston Celtics. This proposed trade would allow the Lakers to move three contracts while adding multiple pieces that could significantly improve their roster construction.

Los Angeles has also been interested in Klay Thompson, but Hauser would give the Lakers another elite shooting option without requiring the same level of offensive responsibility.

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