Lakers guard Austin Reaves has stirred the ongoing trade discussions by expressing strong confidence in Dalton Knecht’s future with the LA Lakers. Speaking on Tuesday, Reaves highlighted Knecht’s dedicated offseason work and predicted a major breakthrough for the sharpshooting guard in his second NBA season. The Lakers rising star’s remarks come amid persistent speculation over Knecht’s trade value as one of the team’s key assets.
“I got Dalton. I’ve heard that he’s been locked in for the last, you know, 2–3 weeks in L.A., you know, working out 2–3 times a day,”
Reaves told Lakers reporter Trevor Lane on Tuesday.
The Lakers have limited draft capital for trading, possessing only their 2031 first-round pick and five unfavorable pick swaps, which makes players like Knecht crucial trade chips. Knecht, a first-round pick last year, is frequently mentioned in trade scenarios due to his potential and role on the roster.
Knecht’s Rookie Season and Trade Rumors
Selected 17th overall after unexpectedly falling from a projected lottery position, Dalton Knecht demonstrated promising shooting ability in his first year. He averaged 9.1 points per game, with efficient shooting percentages of 46.1% overall and 37.6% from beyond the arc. His accuracy from three-point range marks him as a rare long-range threat for the Lakers, especially during the LeBron James era, when consistent shooters have been scarce.
The Lakers nearly traded Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets, but the trade fell through when Hornets player Mark Williams failed his medical exam. Following that, Knecht was given another opportunity in Los Angeles, though his playing time diminished as the regular season ended and during the playoffs. This reduction in role has fueled doubts about his future with the team.
Knecht’s Commitment to Staying with the Lakers
Despite the swirling trade rumors, Dalton Knecht has openly expressed his desire to remain with the Lakers, signaling his commitment to the organization. During a brief interview with TMZ, Knecht shared his feelings about his place on the team, emphasizing his intention to continue his career in Los Angeles.
“I’d like to stay a Laker … All in on the Lakers.”
With multiple positional needs facing the Lakers this offseason, there is increasing uncertainty about whether Knecht will be traded or retained. The team also has expiring contracts for players like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, creating opportunities to build flexibility. If the Lakers can juggle deals effectively around these assets, they stand a chance of keeping Knecht and focusing on his further development as a critical long-term option.
The Impact of Reaves’ Prediction on Lakers’ Trade Strategies
Austin Reaves’ public support for Dalton Knecht may influence Lakers management and fans who have been watching trade rumors closely. His confidence could sway opinions against moving Knecht, potentially shifting the team‘s strategy toward nurturing Knecht’s talent. For Lakers fans, retaining a sharpshooter like Knecht offers hope for improved spacing and offensive firepower in the coming seasons.
The upcoming offseason will be pivotal, as the Lakers weigh their options between leveraging Knecht’s trade value and investing in his growth to bolster the team’s roster depth and shooting capabilities. Reaves’ endorsement adds a layer of optimism but also heightens expectations for Knecht to deliver on his potential.