The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring a potential trade to acquire Aaron Nesmith from the Indiana Pacers, aiming to bolster their defense and shooting ahead of the upcoming NBA season. This possible move involves sending Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, and multiple future draft picks to Indiana, reflecting the Lakers’ urgency to improve their playoff chances.
Despite signing key players such as Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart during the offseason, the Lakers remain cautious that their current lineup lacks the defensive consistency and shooting reliability needed to succeed deep in the playoffs. Nesmith, a 6-foot-5 forward with playoff experience, could fill that role given his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Trade Proposal Details and Player Implications
According to reports, the Lakers might offer Gabe Vincent, who is due to earn $11.5 million in the final year of his contract, alongside Dalton Knecht, a future first-round pick swap in 2030, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2032 second-round pick in exchange for Nesmith. While these assets are valuable, the Lakers appear ready to make a significant sacrifice to accelerate their development and contend immediately.
For the Pacers, acquiring Vincent and Knecht would add players with potential, although Knecht’s playing time has been limited. From the Lakers’ perspective, trading two rotation players for a veteran like Nesmith, who boasts experience in 40 playoff games including trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals, can add important depth and toughness.
Challenges Facing Dalton Knecht on the Lakers Roster
Dalton Knecht entered the 2024 NBA season with considerable promise after being selected in the first round of the draft. Initially seen as a potential steal and one of the most NBA-ready rookies, his performance declined sharply, leading to his exclusion from the rotation during the playoffs. His struggles carried into the Summer League, raising concerns about his fit with the team’s competitive ambitions.
“The ice is thin entering Dalton Knecht’s second NBA season. His poor performance against his peers in summer league made things worse. The Lakers have no reason to trust his defense or playmaking,” Tyler Watts of Lake Show Life wrote. “Knecht is strictly a shooter at this stage with limited usefulness to a team that wants to contend.”
As a rookie, Knecht averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists over 19.2 minutes per game, showing good shooting ability but deficiencies in defense and playmaking. These limitations particularly stand out alongside players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, making Knecht’s role in the Lakers’ lineup uncertain. His previous involvement in a trade centered on Mark Williams last season further suggests he may again be moved to improve the roster.
Potential Impact of the Trade on the Lakers’ Playoff Run
Acquiring Nesmith would provide the Lakers with a proven playoff performer who can contribute both offensively and defensively. His average of 11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in postseason play reflects his value in high-pressure situations. By bringing in Nesmith, the Lakers aim to strengthen their perimeter defense and add shooting depth, both essential elements for competing against elite teams.
This strategic addition signals the Lakers’ commitment to pushing beyond earlier playoff exits and demonstrates their willingness to part with promising talent and future selections to chase immediate success. The trade, if completed, could reshape the Lakers’ rotation and better position them in a highly competitive Western Conference.