This summer, the Lakers might trade Dalton Knecht (again) and acquire a $107 million former Knicks great.

As the NBA off-season approaches, speculation about potential trades and roster changes is at an all-time high. The Los Angeles Lakers, a team known for its star-studded roster and championship aspirations, are once again facing critical decisions on how to shape their squad for the upcoming season. While LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and other core players remain the focal point of the franchise, the Lakers are no strangers to the trade market, always looking for opportunities to improve their roster.

This summer, reports suggest that the Lakers could be making a bold move—potentially trading young forward Dalton Knecht and acquiring a player with a storied past in the league: a $107 million former New York Knicks star. This article delves into the reasons behind the trade rumors, the potential impact of acquiring this former Knicks great, and what it means for the Lakers’ future.

The Trade Rumors: Dalton Knecht and the Lakers’ Roster Shake-up

Dalton Knecht, the young forward from the University of Denver, made waves as a promising prospect in the NBA. However, his tenure with the Lakers has been a rollercoaster, with the team exploring options to move him multiple times during his short stint with the franchise. While Knecht has shown flashes of potential, his place in the Lakers’ long-term plans remains uncertain. With the Lakers’ championship aspirations, management might feel the need to trade Knecht in order to acquire a player who can immediately contribute to their goal of winning another title.

Knecht, a player known for his versatility, athleticism, and shooting ability, could find himself at the center of trade discussions this summer. His skill set, while intriguing, doesn’t yet match the level of impact that the Lakers need to maintain a competitive edge in the Western Conference. As such, trading him could be seen as a pragmatic move for the team to get the right pieces in place for a deeper playoff run.

The Lakers have always operated with a “win-now” mentality, especially since acquiring LeBron James in 2018. This philosophy has led to significant roster changes and high-profile trades in recent years. With their championship window open and LeBron James aging, the team may feel the need to make a substantial move to secure a legitimate third star and boost their chances of contending for another title.

The $107 Million Former Knicks Star: Who Is He?

The $107 million former Knicks great mentioned in the trade rumors is none other than Julius Randle, the 2021 NBA All-Star and former face of the New York Knicks. Randle, who signed a four-year, $107 million extension with the Knicks in 2021, has been a key player for the team since joining them in 2019. Known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and versatility, Randle was instrumental in the Knicks’ resurgence during the 2020-2021 season, when they made the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Randle earned his first All-Star selection that year, averaging 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.

However, Randle’s time with the Knicks has been a mixed bag. While he has shown the ability to carry the offense at times, his inconsistent play in the postseason and some inefficiencies on both ends of the floor have raised questions about his fit on a championship-contending team. In 2022, the Knicks traded for star guard Jalen Brunson, which led to a shift in the team’s offensive structure. This has led to speculation that Randle could be available for trade, especially as the Knicks look to improve their roster and build a more cohesive unit.

Despite the criticisms, Randle remains a highly skilled and productive player. His ability to score in a variety of ways, rebound effectively, and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting makes him an intriguing option for a team like the Lakers, who are in need of a versatile forward to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Randle’s skill set would help the Lakers create a more dynamic offensive system, and his experience in high-pressure playoff games would be invaluable in the postseason.

Why the Lakers Might Target Julius Randle

The Lakers’ front office has always been on the lookout for upgrades to their roster, and Julius Randle’s name fits the bill for what the team needs. Let’s break down why the Lakers might target the former Knicks star and what he could bring to the table.

1. Scoring and Offensive Versatility

One of the Lakers’ primary concerns has been their offense. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis are elite players, they cannot do it all on their own. In previous seasons, the Lakers have struggled with scoring, especially when LeBron or Davis has been sidelined due to injury. Julius Randle would provide an immediate boost to the Lakers’ offense, bringing the ability to score both inside and outside.

Randle’s scoring versatility is what makes him particularly appealing. He can attack the basket with force, post up smaller defenders, and step back for three-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor would also help open up driving lanes for LeBron and Davis, making the offense more dynamic and harder to defend. Randle’s experience as the focal point of the Knicks’ offense would be valuable as the Lakers aim to balance their offensive attack.

2. Rebounding and Physicality

In addition to his scoring, Julius Randle is an excellent rebounder. Averaging 10.0 rebounds per game in 2022-2023, Randle would provide the Lakers with another player who can control the glass and provide second-chance opportunities. This is particularly important for the Lakers, who have sometimes struggled with consistency in this area. Randle’s physicality would also be a welcome addition to the frontcourt, helping to match up with some of the more dominant big men in the Western Conference, such as Nikola Jokić, Anthony Davis’ primary rival.

Given the Lakers’ issues with rebounding, especially when Davis is at the center position and LeBron is playing as a forward, Randle’s presence would offer another layer of protection on the boards. His tenacity and aggressive playstyle would be beneficial in both the regular season and the playoffs, where rebounding is often the difference between advancing or being eliminated.

3. Defensive Improvement

While Julius Randle has often been criticized for his defensive consistency, his ability to switch onto multiple positions and provide solid post defense is something the Lakers could use. Randle’s defensive upside has been more evident when he is locked in, and his physical tools (6’9” and 250 pounds) give him the potential to be a more impactful defender than he has shown in New York.

For the Lakers, who have relied on Davis as their primary rim protector, Randle would not only add depth to their frontcourt but also give them another body to throw at opposing forwards and centers. His ability to provide help defense and contest shots would be a crucial asset in high-pressure games, where defense is paramount.

4. Playoff Experience and Leadership

Randle’s experience in the playoffs would also be a critical factor for the Lakers. While his postseason performances have been inconsistent, his experience in big games cannot be overstated. The Lakers, led by LeBron James, will need all the help they can get in the playoffs, where having multiple players who can step up in crunch time is essential. Randle has been a focal point in New York’s playoff runs, and having him alongside LeBron and Davis would give the Lakers a strong, experienced frontcourt to rely on during the postseason.

Randle’s leadership on a young Knicks team has also been noteworthy, and his ability to handle pressure situations could help elevate the play of younger Lakers players, such as Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Malik Beasley.

What Would the Lakers Have to Give Up?

If the Lakers are serious about acquiring Julius Randle, they would need to craft a trade package that is appealing to the Knicks. Given Randle’s $107 million contract and his importance to the Knicks, it is unlikely that the Lakers could acquire him for a simple exchange of role players.

In all likelihood, the Lakers would need to part with a combination of assets, including young players, draft picks, and perhaps even some of their veterans. Dalton Knecht, as mentioned earlier, could be a key piece of this trade package, along with other assets like the Lakers’ 2024 and 2025 first-round picks. Knecht’s potential could be enticing for the Knicks, who are looking to build for the future, while Randle’s $107 million contract would still be manageable under the Lakers’ salary cap structure.

The Lakers may also have to include other players like Russell Westbrook (if he is still on the team) or one of their role players in order to match salaries and make the deal work. The Lakers would have to get creative with their cap space and asset management, but acquiring Randle could be worth the effort if it helps push the team closer to another championship.

The Lakers’ Path to the Future

Acquiring Julius Randle could be the missing piece the Lakers need to re-establish themselves as championship contenders. His scoring ability, rebounding, and physicality would complement the Lakers’ superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving them a more dynamic and balanced roster. With Randle’s playoff experience and leadership, he could be the key to unlocking the Lakers’ potential in the postseason.

While trading Dalton Knecht and other assets may seem like a steep price, the Lakers are in a “win-now” mode, and securing a player like Randle could help them return to the top of the Western Conference. Whether or not this trade comes to fruition remains to be seen, but the possibility of adding a player of Randle’s caliber to the Lakers’ roster is certainly an exciting prospect. The summer promises to be full of intrigue and potential for the Lakers as they look to build their next championship-contending team.