Lakers Ready to Part Ways with Dalton Knecht in Blockbuster Trade for Star Center

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again at a pivotal crossroads, looking to reshape their roster following a disappointing playoff exit. The need for frontcourt help became glaringly obvious in their recent series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the Lakers were exposed in the paint by the dominance of Rudy Gobert. With Anthony Davis no longer in the lineup following the bold trade that brought Luka Dončić to L.A., the team is scrambling to restore balance to its frontcourt. One of the hottest rumors now swirling involves rookie Dalton Knecht, who could be the key piece in a complex multi-team deal designed to bring Daniel Gafford to Los Angeles.

Lakers Frontcourt Crisis Exposed in the Playoffs

The postseason series against the Timberwolves was a harsh reality check for the Lakers. With JJ Redick forced to employ small-ball lineups after the Davis-Dončić trade, the Lakers were routinely outmuscled in the paint. Gobert had his way inside, and L.A. simply didn’t have the size or defensive tenacity to combat Minnesota’s powerful frontcourt.

While Luka Dončić delivered in his inaugural postseason as a Laker, the absence of Davis left the team vulnerable in critical moments. Dončić’s playmaking and scoring prowess were not enough to carry a team lacking presence in the paint. If the Lakers intend to make a serious title run next season, the need for a defensive anchor and rebounder is beyond urgent.

Dalton Knecht’s Tumultuous Start in Los Angeles

Rookie Dalton Knecht, who came into the NBA with high expectations after a stellar college career, has had anything but a normal introduction to the league. Originally expected to play a key rotational role, Knecht has found himself caught in trade talks since the moment he arrived. At the trade deadline, the Lakers attempted to ship him to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, but the deal fell through due to a failed physical.

Despite showing flashes of potential, Knecht hasn’t had the consistent opportunity to solidify a role on a team focused on contending immediately. With LeBron James in the twilight of his career and Dončić just entering his prime, the Lakers are clearly prioritizing proven talent over developmental prospects.

Three-Team Blockbuster Could Bring Gafford to L.A.

According to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, the Lakers are now targeting Daniel Gafford in a major three-team trade involving the Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers. The full rumored trade includes a variety of moving parts:

• Mavericks receive: Anfernee Simons

• Lakers receive: Daniel Gafford

• Trail Blazers receive: Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, Caleb Martin, Dwight Powell, Lakers’ unprotected 2029 and 2031 first-round picks, and 2030 swap rights with the Lakers

This trade scenario sees the Lakers sacrificing future assets and young talent to address their immediate need at the center position. The addition of Daniel Gafford, while not perfect, could be the stabilizing force the team desperately needs down low.

Daniel Gafford: A Solid Yet Undervalued Big Man

Standing at 6’10”, Daniel Gafford may not be the traditional 7-footer teams crave, but his impact in the paint is undeniable. Last season, he averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while shooting a blistering 70.2% from the field. His ability to finish around the rim, protect the basket, and crash the boards makes him a valuable commodity—especially for a Lakers team that has struggled to defend the interior.

However, there are some caveats. Gafford lacks a perimeter game, having attempted just one three-pointer in six NBA seasons. In an era where floor spacing is increasingly vital—especially alongside ball-dominant players like Dončić and LeBron—Gafford’s limited offensive versatility could become a liability. Still, his strengths could outweigh his weaknesses in the right system.

Why the Mavericks Would Agree to the Deal

For the Dallas Mavericks, trading Gafford may seem counterintuitive after recently acquiring him, but context is important. Gafford is set to become a free agent next summer and is reportedly looking for starter-level money. With Cooper Flagg entering the mix and Dallas already stacked in the frontcourt, the team may not be able to justify extending Gafford financially.

By flipping Gafford for Anfernee Simons, the Mavericks add perimeter scoring and secondary playmaking behind Dončić. Simons’ ability to stretch the floor and create off the dribble makes him a valuable addition in a backcourt-heavy league. For Dallas, it’s a classic case of turning surplus into need.

Blazers’ Haul Signals Future-Focused Rebuild

The Portland Trail Blazers’ role in the trade is also pivotal. While parting ways with Anfernee Simons is significant, they’d receive an interesting blend of young talent, rotation-level veterans, and high-value draft picks. Dalton Knecht offers upside as a long-term wing prospect, and the inclusion of future first-round picks from the Lakers ensures flexibility as they build around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.

With Kleber, Powell, and Martin also included, Portland gets potential trade chips or veteran presence for a young locker room. More importantly, acquiring unprotected picks from a post-LeBron future Lakers squad could become immensely valuable.

JJ Redick’s Vision and the Lakers’ New Identity

As a first-year head coach, JJ Redick has already made bold tactical decisions. Embracing small-ball lineups was a necessity given the roster, but it came with consequences. Redick has emphasized pace, spacing, and high-IQ basketball, traits that Dončić embodies to perfection. But without a competent interior presence, his system was never fully functional.

Bringing in Gafford could balance out Redick’s schemes. While he may not stretch the floor, Gafford’s mobility and rim protection would allow Redick to anchor the defense more reliably, enabling perimeter defenders to pressure ball handlers without fear of being exposed at the rim.

LeBron James’ Timeline Dictates Urgency

There’s no denying that LeBron James remains the heartbeat of this franchise, even in Year 22. However, the clock is ticking. Every season with LeBron is championship or bust, and the Lakers’ window to contend is shrinking. That urgency is likely driving the front office’s aggressive pursuit of veterans and willingness to part with future assets.

Gafford may not be a marquee name, but he represents a significant upgrade from what the Lakers currently have. More importantly, he fits the profile of a player who can impact playoff games without needing the ball in his hands—a critical attribute on a team with two dominant offensive stars.

The Risk of Moving On From Dalton Knecht

Trading Dalton Knecht so early in his career carries obvious risks. He’s a talented scorer with a strong motor, and his development could come back to haunt the Lakers if he flourishes in Portland. However, the Lakers are clearly operating with a “win-now” mindset. Knecht’s timeline simply doesn’t align with the rest of the roster’s.

In an ideal world, the Lakers would retain their young talent while adding veteran help. But the harsh reality of the modern NBA is that championship windows often come at the cost of development. Knecht is the latest in a long line of Lakers prospects who may end up blossoming elsewhere.

Outlook Moving Forward

If this trade materializes, it will signal a clear shift in how the Lakers are building around Dončić and LeBron. The move would give Redick a legitimate rim protector and help balance a roster heavily skewed toward perimeter talent.

While Gafford may not be the ultimate solution to the Lakers’ frontcourt issues, he would undoubtedly provide an instant defensive boost. With the Western Conference more competitive than ever, making such a move could be the difference between another early exit and a deep playoff run.

For now, all eyes will remain on Dalton Knecht, the centerpiece of a potential blockbuster that could redefine the Lakers’ 2025-26 season. Whether this gamble pays off or backfires in the long run remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the Lakers are pushing their chips all-in on the Dončić era.