The Los Angeles Lakers could be preparing to make another roster move before the start of the NBA season, with former first-round pick Dalton Knecht emerging as a potential trade candidate.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks have held preliminary discussions about a deal that would send Knecht and second-round draft compensation to Milwaukee in exchange for center Jericho Sims.
As of now, there is no indication that an agreement is close, however, Fischer reported that there is skepticism surrounding the possibility of a deal being completed.
The discussions come at a critical time for Los Angeles, which must finalize its roster ahead of Monday's deadline.
The Lakers currently have 16 players on standard contracts, leaving the organization with one more player than the NBA's regular-season limit of 15. That leaves the organization searching for ways to create flexibility without losing a player for nothing.
Knecht, who was selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, appears to be among the players whose future with the team is uncertain.
The former Tennessee standout entered the NBA with a reputation as a talented perimeter shooter capable of providing an immediate offensive boost. However, Knecht has struggled to establish consistency at the professional level and spent much of last season outside the Lakers' regular rotation.
His limited playing time has raised questions about his future in Los Angeles, particularly as the organization continues reshaping its roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Moving the 25-year-old would represent a significant change for a franchise that invested a first-round selection in him just two years ago. The proposed deal would also require the Lakers to include additional draft assets, suggesting Milwaukee would need further incentive to part with Sims.
For Los Angeles, the potential return addresses another area of concern.
The Lakers have been searching for additional frontcourt depth behind starting center Walker Kessler. Although the team has several options in its rotation, adding another athletic big man could provide Redick with greater flexibility throughout the season.
Sims, a 6-foot-10 center, is known primarily for his rebounding, athleticism and ability to finish around the basket.
He averaged 5.0 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 78.4% from the field last season.
While Sims would not provide the perimeter shooting Knecht offers, his size, athleticism and physical presence could give the Lakers additional support in the frontcourt.
Sims is known for his explosive finishing ability around the basket, making him an intriguing potential fit alongside playmakers like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. His ability to finish lobs and capitalize on opportunities near the rim could add another dimension to Los Angeles' offense.
The biggest question surrounding a potential trade isn't necessarily how Sims would fit with the Lakers, but whether the deal would solve the team's roster problems.
A straight swap involving Knecht and Sims would leave Los Angeles with 16 players on standard contracts, one more than the NBA's regular-season limit. That means the Lakers would still need to make another roster move before Monday's deadline, even if they reached an agreement with Milwaukee.
That makes the reported discussions particularly interesting as Los Angeles evaluates its options.
If the Lakers are unable to find a suitable trade, waiving Knecht could become another option as the roster deadline approaches.
While the move would help Los Angeles get down to the league's 15-player limit, it would also mean parting ways with a former first-round pick just two years into his NBA career. Despite his struggles to establish a consistent role, Knecht is still a young player with room to develop, making the decision a potentially difficult one for the organization.
Knecht is owed approximately $4.2 million for the 2026-27 season, meaning Los Angeles would remain responsible for his guaranteed salary if it waived him.
...
Milwaukee is also facing roster decisions of its own.
The Bucks have explored potential moves involving several players as they work to finalize their roster before the regular season. That situation could create opportunities for negotiations, although both teams would need to determine whether the proposed exchange provides enough value.
For the Lakers, the immediate priority is finding the right balance between maintaining roster flexibility and improving the team's chances of competing in the Western Conference.
Sims could address a specific need, but acquiring him at the expense of Knecht and additional draft capital would come with its own considerations.
With the deadline approaching, Los Angeles does not have much time to settle its roster.
Whether the Lakers complete a trade with Milwaukee or pursue another option, Knecht's future has become one of the team's biggest questions entering the season.