Lakers trade rumor could lead to Dalton Knecht trade for record-setting $30 million Nuggets center

Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) shoots before a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers clearly aren’t 100% satisfied with their frontcourt unit despite acquiring former Utah Jazz standout center Walker Kessler in a blockbuster sign-and-trade and signing high-upside former Toronto Raptors power forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili.

Why? The 17-time NBA champions lost Deandre Ayton (traded to the Washington Wizards) and Jaxson Hayes (signed with the Utah Jazz), prompting them to consider a move for a third big man. After Los Angeles shipped Ayton to Washington, ESPN’s Shams Charania listed Jonas Valanciunas as a potential option for the franchise.

According to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein and Jake Fisher, the idea that the Denver Nuggets’ record-setting center (in 2025, he set the record for the fastest double-double) joining the Lakers is becoming more realistic.

"Sources say that the Lakers' interest (in Jonas Valanciunas), furthermore, is certainly welcomed by the Nuggets, who have made Valanciunas available in trade conversations since Denver's season ended and especially in connection with the recent draft as the Nuggets explored various deals while also shopping the No. 26 overall pick,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer wrote Saturday.

“Denver ultimately shipped that selection to San Antonio (Spurs) for the No. 35 pick and two future second-rounders."

Considering the Lakers are actively searching for a trade partner for Dalton Knecht, who’s regressed since his encouraging rookie campaign, it would make sense for Los Angeles to include him in a potential deal for Valanciunas (if they can't find a 'high caliber wing' they love).

Would Valanciunas be the perfect second-unit lob threat for Luka Doncic? No, as he doesn’t possess the supreme vertical athleticism needed to finish lobs at a high clip. 

However, the former Toronto Raptors All-Rookie center would bode well in back-to-the-basket situations and could be relatively productive in a 10-15 minute bench role. Valanciunas averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds with the Nuggets last season, shooting 58.2% from the field in 65 contests.

If the Lakers and Nuggets’ trade talks progress, we could get a Knecht-Valanciunas swap in the near future.

More NBA news:

• Lakers sign perfect Dalton Knecht replacement after four-team trade involving Knicks

• Spurs predicted to outbid Warriors for $101 million Lakers star, four-time NBA champion

• Luka Doncic sends clear message to Lakers on roster they can't afford to ignore