Lakers reportedly cutting ties with Dalton Knecht, going all-in for $23M ex-Warriors NBA champion

The Los Angeles Lakers have been active this offseason, making moves to better position Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves for the future. This free agency period was crucial for the franchise, and so far, they have handled it well.

The Lakers have already completed two major trades—one for Walker Kessler and another that sent Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards. Now, they are reportedly expected to move on from Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt.

“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.

The Lakers are also still exploring free-agent options this summer. One name that has emerged as a serious target is NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga, with Los Angeles reportedly heavily engaged in pursuing him.

“On the wings, the Lakers are still exploring adding Jonathan Kuminga to their roster. Kuminga is drawing interest from other teams, but the unrestricted free agent forward is a significant priority for the Lakers,” The California Post’s Khobi Price wrote.

Kuminga played last season for the Atlanta Hawks after being traded from the Golden State Warriors. He had a team option for the upcoming season, but the Hawks decided to decline it.

“The Atlanta Hawks are declining Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, making him a free agent. Kuminga, who will turn 24 before next season, played in 16 regular-season games for the Hawks after joining the team via trade in February, averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes,” ESPN wrote.

The Lakers’ current plan appears straightforward. They are actively fielding calls on Knecht while simultaneously pursuing a deal to bring Kuminga to Los Angeles.

Last season, Kuminga earned $23 million in the first year of his contract. The Lakers are clearly prioritizing wing depth this offseason, also drafting Cameron Carr as part of that strategy. At this point, Knecht’s future in Los Angeles appears increasingly uncertain.

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