Lakers Rookie Becomes Potential Trade Target for Raptors
After an up-and-down rookie season, Lakers guard Dalton Knecht is finding his stride. He recently matched the NBA rookie record with nine three-pointers in a game but soon hit a brief slump. A trade to the Hornets appeared set but ultimately collapsed, keeping him in Los Angeles. Rather than being discouraged by the Lakers’ willingness to move him, Knecht remained focused on proving his worth.
In Sunday’s 108-102 win over the Clippers, he delivered an impressive 19-point performance on 7-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three-point range—outscoring LeBron James, who finished with 17 points. His emergence has come at a crucial time for a surging Lakers team that has been one of the hottest in the league since acquiring Luka Dončić. With Rui Hachimura sidelined, Knecht has stepped up, showcasing the shooting ability that earned him SEC Player of the Year honors in 2023-24.
Now, as the season nears its final stretch, Knecht is generating interest as a potential trade target for teams looking to rebuild. According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the Toronto Raptors could be among the frontrunners:
“The Raptors should also have a clear priority on perimeter shooting, since Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Brandon Ingram all generally operate inside the arc… The Lakers have already shown their willingness to part with Knecht once, and Toronto should see if this first-year sharpshooter remains gettable.”
Toronto’s need for shooting is evident, ranking near the bottom of the league in both three-pointers made (29th) and percentage (21st). At 19-42, the Raptors are far from playoff contention and likely focused on securing a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. For Knecht, a move to Toronto would mean less pressure and more time to develop outside the spotlight of a championship-aspiring franchise.
However, before the Lakers entertain any trade offers, they must weigh the long-term value of keeping a promising young shooter. If Knecht continues to develop his defensive skills while maintaining his scoring efficiency, he could become a key rotation player for a title contender. The bigger question is whether the Raptors can offer a return that fits the Lakers’ win-now approach. Draft picks or young players may not align with Los Angeles’ immediate goals, making a deal less appealing unless it includes an impact player.
JJ Redick’s recent management of Knecht further illustrates the Lakers’ shifting stance on his role. Initially, Redick informed Knecht that he wouldn’t be part of the rotation against the Clippers. But when circumstances changed, the rookie stepped up. His professionalism and ability to contribute when called upon should give the Lakers pause before moving him.
Trading a developing sharpshooter without securing a clear upgrade could prove costly for the Lakers’ long-term success. For now, Knecht will continue carving out a role in a veteran-heavy rotation with championship ambitions.
