Updated
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring a move for Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims as they assess their frontcourt options and prepare for the regular season.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on October 15 that the teams had discussed a potential deal sending Dalton Knecht and second-round draft capital to Milwaukee in exchange for Sims.
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However, the talks remain exploratory, and sources briefed on the discussions are reportedly pessimistic that an agreement will be reached, meaning that for now, the proposed swap remains just that.
Los Angeles must reduce its standard-contract roster from 16 players to the NBA limit of 15. It also needs dependable depth at center, particularly with questions surrounding Kevon Looney's role.
Acquiring Sims could address that need, although the Lakers would still have to make another roster move if the deal went through as described.
Knecht, a former first-round pick, offers a different kind of value. His perimeter shooting could help the team, but his role has diminished after a promising rookie season. In 2024–25, he averaged 9.1 points in 19.2 minutes per game while shooting 37.6% from three-point range.
Last season, he averaged 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes, and his three-point percentage fell to 34.2%. The decline raises questions, but reduced playing time also limited his chances to find a rhythm.
Why Jericho Sims could appeal to Los Angeles
Sims would address a more immediate need than another perimeter scorer.
The 6-foot-10 center averaged 5.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per game for Milwaukee in 2025–26, shooting 78.4% from the field, according to Basketball-Reference.
His scoring comes largely around the basket, so he wouldn't provide the floor spacing Knecht can offer.
The 27-year-old's strengths include athletic finishing, rebounding, screening and energy around the rim. He recorded 95 dunks last season, an impressive total given his minutes and the 15 games he missed.
Sims can give guards a target on lobs, finish plays near the basket and compete for rebounds. He can also switch onto some smaller players, although he isn't known as a prolific shot-blocker or a threat from three-point range.
The appeal is clear for the Lakers as Sims could strengthen the center rotation without requiring a major acquisition. The cost, however, deserves consideration.
Sending Knecht and draft capital to Milwaukee would mean giving up a young shooter for a role player with a specialized skill set. That exchange might make sense if the Lakers prioritize frontcourt reliability, but it wouldn't automatically improve every part of their roster.
If a trade can't be completed, Los Angeles may have to consider other ways to reach the league's roster limit. Sims fits a clear need, yet the reported doubts suggest the Lakers should keep alternative options in view.