Dalton Knecht's journey with the Los Angeles Lakers has taken a tumultuous turn following a promising rookie season. After being traded to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, a deal that was ultimately rescinded, Knecht's role in the playoffs diminished significantly, impacting his performance. Knecht's value remains intact due to his scoring versatility, which may lead to him being a key component in future trades.

The Lakers are currently facing challenges with only the No. 55 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. A potential trade strategy could involve packaging Knecht with Brooklyn's protected 2027 first-round pick to move up in the draft. Proposed three-team deals could see the Lakers targeting Duke center Khaman Maluach, who had an impressive freshman season. This move aligns with LA's win-now approach, especially with Luka Doncic's growing influence on the team.