The Los Angeles Lakers’ failed trade for Mark Williams may have come and gone, but the ripple effects are still being felt, especially by rookie Dalton Knecht. Initially shipped to Charlotte along with Cam Reddish and draft picks, Knecht was quickly returned to the Lakers after Williams failed his physical. But according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, Knecht’s time in purple and gold might still be nearing its end.
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Mannix noted that while the Lakers likely won’t revisit the Williams deal, the assets involved—including Knecht and a future first-rounder—are still “in play” for other trade possibilities. With Knecht currently out 2–4 weeks after slipping on stairs, his availability could impact how quickly Rob Pelinka can move him. “There’s still value in Dalton Knecht,” Mannix said. “They’ll try to put those pieces back together…”
Even when healthy, Knecht may not fit what Pelinka is now targeting. The Lakers’ lack of a dependable center led to a brutal first-round exit at the hands of Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves. With Anthony Davis now in Dallas and Luka Doncic running the show in L.A., the Lakers desperately need two things: a “pogo stick” center who can finish and defend, and a playable 3-and-D wing. Mannix made it clear: “Those are the two pieces they’ve got to find.”
Unfortunately for Knecht, he may not check either box. Concerns about his defense have lingered since draft night, and Mannix was blunt: “I don’t think [Knecht’s] ever going to be an elite… he’s an average defensive player.”
This leaves Pelinka with a decision. If Knecht can recover quickly, he could still be moved as part of a package deal ahead of the NBA Draft. But with Luka’s window wide open and pressure mounting after another early playoff exit, the Lakers can’t afford to wait. As Pelinka prioritizes Luka’s needs, Dalton Knecht’s role—and future—with the team remain in jeopardy.
(This is a building story…)
The post Dalton Knecht’s Lakers Future at Risk as National Reporter Confirms Rob Pelinka’s Priority Amid Luka Doncic’s Uncertainty appeared first on EssentiallySports.
