Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura Named in Lakers Trade Report on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 12:38 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers were in desperate need of a center since trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic in February. They finally got one on Wednesday, as they agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million contract with former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, including a player option in the second year.

The Arizona alum now joins a roster featuring Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dalton Knecht. He surprisingly agreed to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers and got waived on Monday, which turned him into an unrestricted free agent after clearing waivers.

However, Knecht and Hachimura could also be on the move this summer, via ClutchPoints' Anthony Irwin.

"As trade assets go, the Lakers still have Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber's expiring contracts. They can still trade their own first-round pick in either 2031 or 2032," he reported on Thursday. " Dalton Knecht's name has come up in plenty of trade discussions this summer after he was sent out in that infamously rescinded Mark Williams deal last season."

"Rui Hachimura is a popular target of other teams who call the Lakers, as well," he continued. "Austin Reaves, even after turning down a max extension to remain with the Lakers, is not considered likely to be moved."

Even after securing Deandre Ayton, the Lakers still aren't done making moves @AnthonyIrwinLA discusses what the Lakers will look to do next after securing their big man!https://t.co/K4tH2B4icD
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 3, 2025

Reaves is still under contract for next season and has a player option for 2026-27. The 27-year-old could form a long-term backcourt partnership with Doncic if they both re-sign. The latter guard also has a player option for 2026-27.

Meanwhile, Hachimura is entering the final season of his contract, and Knecht is coming off his rookie year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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