Lakers could land $19 million NBA champion Celtics big, deal Dalton Knecht this summer

Lakers Could Land $19 Million NBA Champion Celtics Big, Deal Dalton Knecht This Summer

The NBA off-season is always filled with excitement, with team rosters being reshaped and the next potential superstars being acquired. One of the most intriguing rumors circulating around the Los Angeles Lakers this summer involves a potential move for a player who could bring depth and championship pedigree to their roster. That player is Dalton Knecht, a promising and dynamic forward who has already proven his value on the biggest stage—winning an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics.

As the Lakers look to improve their roster for the 2025-26 season and chase another championship title, they may turn their attention to a player like Knecht, who is still young, versatile, and could fit well within the Lakers’ current system. Despite his connection to the Celtics, the idea of bringing in the 6’8″ forward is not as far-fetched as it may seem. Knecht has been a key part of the Celtics’ success in recent years, and now, with a contract worth $19 million per year, he could be available for the right price.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Dalton Knecht, his background, his performance on the court, the possible benefits he could bring to the Lakers, and why this potential deal is one worth monitoring as the summer approaches.

1. Dalton Knecht’s Background

Dalton Knecht is an athletic forward who entered the NBA as a highly regarded draft prospect. Standing 6’8″ with a solid build, he offers both offensive versatility and defensive prowess. Knecht played college basketball at a high level before being drafted into the NBA by the Boston Celtics, where he quickly made a name for himself with his impressive skills and work ethic.

His breakout season with the Celtics came in his second year when he was an integral part of their rotation. Known for his ability to stretch the floor and hit clutch shots from beyond the arc, Knecht also brought defensive intensity, often guarding the opposing team’s top forwards. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor made him a key player on a Celtics team that won the 2024 NBA championship. Despite being a relatively young player, Knecht demonstrated the kind of maturity and poise that is essential for success in the league, especially on a title-contending team.

One of the highlights of his career has been his ability to perform under pressure. Knecht made key plays during the Celtics’ playoff run, showing a level of consistency that belied his years in the league. His impressive performance in the postseason earned him a reputation as one of the rising stars in the NBA. While he may not be a household name like some of the more established superstars in the league, his potential and ability to contribute immediately have made him an attractive player for teams looking to make a splash in the off-season.

2. Why the Lakers Are Interested in Dalton Knecht

For the Lakers, the acquisition of Dalton Knecht could provide a significant boost to their roster. With LeBron James aging and the team’s future dependent on the continued development of Anthony Davis and other key players, adding a younger, versatile player like Knecht could be the perfect move to keep the team competitive.

There are several reasons why the Lakers would be interested in acquiring Knecht:

• Scoring and Shooting: The Lakers have struggled at times with perimeter shooting, and Knecht’s ability to hit the three-pointer with consistency would provide a much-needed threat from the outside. With players like James and Davis already drawing attention in the paint, Knecht’s shooting ability could open up more space for the team’s stars to operate.
• Defensive Versatility: Knecht is known for his ability to guard multiple positions. This is a crucial asset for a team like the Lakers, who often have to match up with elite offensive players. His defensive prowess would help strengthen the team’s overall defense, something that has been a concern in the past.
• Youth and Longevity: The Lakers have been criticized in recent years for having an older roster. Knecht, at just 24 years old, represents the type of young, talented player that can help build the team’s future. His combination of age and skill set makes him an intriguing option for the Lakers, who are looking to balance their win-now mentality with long-term planning.
• Championship Pedigree: After winning an NBA championship with the Celtics, Knecht has the experience of playing in high-stakes situations. The Lakers, who have their eyes set on another title, would benefit from adding a player who understands what it takes to win at the highest level. Knecht’s ability to remain calm under pressure and contribute when it matters most would be invaluable in the Lakers’ pursuit of another championship.

3. The $19 Million Contract: Financial Considerations

Dalton Knecht’s current contract is worth $19 million per year, which is a substantial sum for a player who, while talented, is still early in his career. For the Lakers, acquiring a player with Knecht’s skill set would require careful financial planning.

While $19 million might seem like a large commitment, it is important to note that Knecht is a proven commodity with the ability to impact the game immediately. Additionally, the Lakers have a history of making moves that position them to be competitive while managing their salary cap effectively. If they were to make a play for Knecht, they would likely look to structure a deal that works within the confines of their financial flexibility.

One potential strategy would be to move other assets or players on the roster who are either underperforming or nearing the end of their contracts. By doing so, the Lakers could create the necessary cap space to bring in Knecht and still leave room for other moves in the future. The Lakers’ front office has proven capable of navigating complex financial situations, and a deal for Knecht would likely fall in line with their long-term strategy.

4. Potential Trade Scenarios

To land Knecht, the Lakers would likely have to work out a trade deal with the Celtics. The Celtics may be hesitant to part with a key player who contributed to their championship run, but if the right offer comes along, they could be willing to move him.

Some potential trade scenarios include:

• Lakers Trade Young Assets and Picks: The Lakers could offer a combination of younger players and future draft picks in exchange for Knecht. Players like Rui Hachimura or even D’Angelo Russell, who have been inconsistent at times, might be on the table. Along with future draft picks, this could give the Celtics the flexibility to rebuild or bolster other areas of their roster.
• Lakers Move Role Players: The Lakers could also explore a trade that centers around moving one or two role players who have a more significant cap hit. A trade that involves a combination of players like Malik Beasley and Lonnie Walker IV, who have been effective contributors but may not be long-term pieces, could be an option.
• Sign-and-Trade: Another potential avenue for the Lakers could be a sign-and-trade scenario, in which they work out a deal to sign Knecht to a new contract and then trade him to the Lakers. This would require cooperation between the two front offices but could be an attractive option for both sides.

5. What Knecht Would Bring to the Lakers

Adding Dalton Knecht to the Lakers’ roster would provide the team with several key benefits:

• Spacing the Floor: Knecht’s ability to stretch the floor as a shooter would make him an excellent fit in the Lakers’ offensive system, which often runs through LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the paint. Knecht’s shooting would help provide more space for these stars to operate and open up additional lanes for the team’s ball movement.
• Defensive Energy: His ability to guard multiple positions would give the Lakers a much-needed boost on defense. Knecht can match up against both forwards and wings, and his ability to guard on the perimeter would help the Lakers keep up with high-scoring offenses in the Western Conference.
• Experience in Big Moments: Having been a key contributor for the Celtics in their championship run, Knecht is battle-tested and understands the pressure of performing in big moments. The Lakers, who are always looking to win now, could use his calm demeanor and leadership in the locker room to help them make another deep playoff run.

6. The Future of the Lakers with Dalton Knecht

If the Lakers do land Dalton Knecht this summer, it would mark a significant step forward in their quest for another NBA championship. His skill set complements what the Lakers are looking for—perimeter shooting, defense, and the ability to contribute in clutch moments. The addition of Knecht would provide the Lakers with a solid mix of veterans and young talent, setting them up for future success while also keeping them competitive in the present.

In conclusion, Dalton Knecht’s potential move to the Los Angeles Lakers could be a game-changer for the team. With his blend of shooting, defense, and championship experience, Knecht would be a key piece to help elevate the Lakers to title contention. The Lakers’ front office will have to carefully weigh the financial and strategic implications of such a deal, but if they can pull it off, Knecht could help them secure another banner in the near future.