Rival GMs Highly Rate: Lakers’ Dalton Knecht Is Best Asset Outside of Reaves

As the Los Angeles Lakers look to reshape their roster heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, conversations across the league are turning to the franchise’s most intriguing trade chips. While Austin Reaves has long been viewed as the team’s most attractive young piece, rival general managers are now identifying the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick and rookie Dalton Knecht as highly coveted assets.

The 2031 First-Round Pick: A Golden Chip in Trade Talks

One of the most surprising revelations around the league is how many front offices are fixated on the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick. Though it’s six years away, it’s considered exceptionally valuable due to the uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s future.

With LeBron James likely retired and Anthony Davis aging out of his prime by then, executives anticipate a serious downturn for the Lakers in the early 2030s. This uncertainty has made that pick one of the most sought-after future assets in the NBA.

According to NBA insiders, “The 2031 pick is like gold. Most teams believe that by then, the Lakers will be entering a full rebuild.” With that belief, the pick is viewed as a potential top-five selection, giving it serious leverage in blockbuster trade talks.

Several rival GMs have reportedly told ESPN and The Athletic that if the Lakers make this pick available, they would immediately enter trade discussions involving top-tier talent, including All-Star-level players and high lottery picks.

Dalton Knecht’s Stock Is Rising Fast

Alongside the future pick, Dalton Knecht has emerged as a name that rival GMs are increasingly circling. The rookie out of Tennessee has impressed during pre-draft workouts and Summer League projections, with scouts praising his NBA-ready shooting, physicality, and strong offensive instincts.

Knecht’s ability to score at all three levels, combined with his 6’6” frame and collegiate pedigree, make him a standout among recent late-lottery and mid-first round rookies. In a draft class considered relatively weak, Knecht’s polished skill set is a breath of fresh air for teams looking for immediate contributions.

One Western Conference GM noted,

“Dalton Knecht isn’t your average rookie. He’s physically mature, a smart player, and doesn’t need the ball to be effective. We’d love to have a guy like that on a controllable rookie deal.”

For a Lakers roster in transition, Knecht represents both short-term value and long-term upside, which has made them hesitant to include him in trade proposals—though they remain open to the right opportunity.

Austin Reaves: Still the Crown Jewel—For Now

While Austin Reaves remains the Lakers’ most proven young asset, teams are growing more interested in other components of the Lakers’ war chest. Reaves, coming off another productive season where he averaged around 15 points, 5 assists, and shot efficiently from beyond the arc, is known for his versatility and poise in big moments.

However, his contract extension and limited upside compared to Knecht or a mystery-box pick like the 2031 first have slightly diminished his appeal in mega-trade scenarios. He’s still seen as a strong starting-caliber guard on a friendly deal, but teams in full rebuild mode are prioritizing younger, more speculative assets.

In conversations with teams like the Nets, Jazz, and Hornets—who could be sellers this offseason—Reaves is seen as a sweetener, while Knecht and the 2031 pick are the primary draws.

The Lakers’ Asset War Chest: Thin But Strategic

With limited draft capital and no blue-chip prospects outside of Reaves and Knecht, the Lakers’ asset pool is not as deep as many contenders, but they’ve managed to protect their most intriguing chips.

The team currently has:

• Dalton Knecht (rookie contract, high upside)

• Austin Reaves (proven starter, team-friendly deal)

• 2031 first-round pick (unprotected)

• Limited first-rounders from 2029 and 2030 (conditional availability)

• Jalen Hood-Schifino (developmental piece)

• Max Christie (restricted free agent)

Front offices believe that if the Lakers package Knecht and the 2031 pick together, they could land a major piece to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis—perhaps a fringe All-Star or elite role player to push them back into contention.

Lakers’ Front Office Playing Long-Term Chess

One of the reasons the 2031 first-round pick remains untouched is because the Lakers’ front office views it as a nuclear option. In any scenario involving a third star or a long-term pivot away from LeBron and AD, that pick could be the centerpiece.

Sources close to GM Rob Pelinka suggest that the Lakers are weighing whether to use the pick in a win-now move or hold it for a post-LeBron rebuild. If they trade the pick now, it must yield a player that drastically improves their title chances in the next two seasons.

Otherwise, the team may opt to rebuild around Knecht, Reaves, and whatever draft capital they can recoup, especially if they fall short in the playoffs again or face a LeBron retirement.

Trade Scenarios: Who Could the Lakers Target?

If the Lakers decide to go all-in, they could use Dalton Knecht and the 2031 pick as part of a package for top-tier talent. Some potential trade targets being floated include:

• Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans): The former Laker is rumored to be available, and a reunion could give L.A. the scoring wing they need.

• Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers): If Cleveland blows it up, Garland could be a dynamic backcourt partner for Reaves or fill a pure PG role.

• Jerami Grant (Portland Trail Blazers): A versatile forward with defense and shooting, Grant is a plug-and-play piece for a contending Lakers roster.

To secure any of these names, however, the inclusion of the 2031 pick is likely non-negotiable, and Knecht may also be required to sweeten the pot.

What This Means for the Lakers’ Offseason Strategy

The recognition of Dalton Knecht and the 2031 first-round pick as elite trade assets puts pressure on the Lakers to decide which timeline to prioritize. If they aim to maximize LeBron’s final seasons, they may be forced to cash in one or both assets. But if they choose to pivot toward the future, keeping both Knecht and that distant pick could be foundational for their next era.

It also affects how they approach free agency. If they’re confident in flipping Knecht and picks for an All-Star, they may avoid overpaying in the open market. Conversely, holding onto their assets could mean targeting mid-level players and veteran role players to maintain flexibility.

Conclusion: Lakers Hold the Keys to Their Future in Two Hands

While Austin Reaves remains a valuable piece in the present, Dalton Knecht and the 2031 first-round pick are now viewed by rival GMs as the true crown jewels of the Lakers’ asset chest. These two pieces represent diverging timelines—one focused on supporting LeBron James, the other centered on preparing for the post-LeBron era.

The Lakers can’t straddle both timelines forever. Eventually, a decision must be made: Go all-in now, or plan for what’s next. Either way, their rivals are watching closely—and waiting to pounce if either Knecht or the 2031 pick hits the trade market.