Lakers trade rumors heat up as Opening Night quickly approaches
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Lakers trade rumors heat up as Opening Night quickly approaches
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka speaks to the media during a press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center in Los Angeles, Sept. 24, 2026, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
LA has already been actively exploring trade avenues for Jarred Vanderbilt, but have reportedly had no luck in their efforts. As Opening Night quickly approaches, the Lakers are looking to trade Dalton Knecht before the season begins.
The Lakers' roster crunch doesn't bode well for Dalton Knecht. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported the latest on the Lakers' roster battle.
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"[Dalton Knecht] will not be apart of this roster long-term," Siegel said.
Vanderbilt and Knecht have been the odd men out for a while as the new look Lakers embark on the Luka Doncic era. But it appears the Lakers are running out of options in their attempts to part ways with the former, who is currently owed $12 million as Vanderbilt is in the final year of a four-year, $48 million deal.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors. NBAE via Getty Images
Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka speaks to the media during a press conference. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Lakers have traded Knecht before in February 2025. Knecht was sent to Charlotte in exchange for center Mark Williams before the trade was rescinded.
Since the trade, Knecht has been a non-factor on the court. The Lakers had high hopes for the small forward as the team selected him with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
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Knecht has shown flashes of brilliance in the purple and gold, particularly during his breakout rookie year where he averaged 18.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in the final nine games of November 2024. But his confidence seems to have vanished since the Lakers attempted to trade him to the Hornets.
Now, the Lakers are actively looking to find Knecht a better opportunity elsewhere with an inevitable roster crunch looming.
