Lakers Land Duke Star in Proposed Dalton Knecht Trade Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft

Los Angeles Lakers 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht had a promising rookie season in L.A., but things shifted dramatically after he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams at the trade deadline—a deal that was later rescinded.

Following that episode, his role diminished significantly. Knecht saw little to no playing time in the NBA playoffs, and his performance noticeably dipped in the second half of the season compared to the first. Still, the former Tennessee star retains strong value thanks to his ability to score from all over the floor.

With the Lakers currently holding only the No. 55 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, any move to trade up would likely require Knecht to be included in the deal.

One recent proposal has caught the attention of Lakers fans, as it could land them exactly what they need: a dominant two-way center who can protect the rim and thrive in the pick-and-roll alongside Luka Doncic.

In a hypothetical three-team deal outlined by "Lakers Nation’s" Trevor Lane, the Lakers, Nets, and Trail Blazers would all be involved. 

The proposed trade would send Knecht and the Nets' top-4 protected 2027 first-round pick to Portland. Brooklyn would receive the No. 11 pick from the Blazers and the Lakers’ unprotected 2031 first-rounder. The Lakers, in turn, would acquire the No. 8 pick from the Nets in this year’s draft along with the No. 36 pick.

With that No. 8 selection, the growing belief is that L.A. would target Duke Blue Devils 7-foot-2 center Khaman Maluach, who delivered a stellar freshman season in Durham.