Lakers shopping Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt amid trade rumors

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly shopping forwards Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt, according to NBA insider Evan Sidery.

The Lakers gained two second-round picks from the Deandre Ayton trade with the Washington Wizards, meaning the team could consolidate said assets in a deal for a much-needed roster piece, such as a versatile wing defender.

The Lakers have been busy this offseason with general manager Rob Pelinka orchestrating a full-fledged roster transformation. Half of LA’s starting lineup departed in free agency, including four-time NBA champion LeBron James.

Now, the Lakers are attempting to create a sufficient supporting cast for superstar Luka Dončić. The 27-year-old player got what he wanted in terms of an A-list center as the Lakers signed Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal.

After landing an elite big man, the Lakers are looking to add a versatile wing defender and backup center. In order to do so, Pelinka will have to orchestrate a trade including the second-round picks from Washington or waive Vanderbilt in order to give the Lakers more financial flexibility to sign a free agent.

The Lakers now have a total of three second-round picks. Many NBA teams equate such assets to one first-round pick, which points to a trade involving Knecht or Vanderbilt as the likeliest outcome to acquire a wing or backup center that the Lakers need.

There is speculation as to whether the new look Lakers will pan out, but Dončić is reportedly excited for the new era in Los Angeles.

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