The Los Angeles Lakers’ failed trade for Mark Williams may have faded from the headlines, but its ripple effects continue to shape the team’s offseason—and no one feels that more than rookie Dalton Knecht. Knecht, who was nearly dealt to the Charlotte Hornets in a package that included Cam Reddish and future picks, remains on the roster after the Hornets’ big man failed a physical. Yet, his stay in Los Angeles may be short-lived.
The February 6 trade that would have sent Knecht, Reddish, and a 2031 first-round pick to Charlotte for center Mark Williams fell apart when Williams didn’t pass the Lakers’ medical exam. While the Hornets contested the findings and appealed to the league, the NBA sided with L.A. The Lakers promptly backed out of the deal, leaving Knecht in a surreal limbo. “It felt like a movie,” the rookie said of being traded and untraded within days.
Now, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Lakers are still shopping Knecht and the same first-rounder involved in that original deal. Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show,
Unfortunately for Knecht, he may not even be physically available to help facilitate a draft-day move. A minor accident—he reportedly slipped on some stairs—has sidelined him for 2–4 weeks.
Even if Knecht were fully healthy, he might still be on the chopping block. With Anthony Davis now in Dallas and Luka Doncic leading the Lakers into a new era, Rob Pelinka is laser-focused on finding the right complementary pieces. Rich Eisen made it clear:
L.A.’s first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves only reinforced the urgency. In that series, Rudy Gobert dismantled the Lakers in the paint, highlighting their glaring hole at center. But the Host didn’t stop there. The Lakers also need a legitimate 3-and-D wing, the kind of player who can both space the floor and hold their own on defense.
That assessment severely damages Knecht’s chances of remaining a Laker. While the rookie did flash some scoring brilliance, most notably a 37-point game that included a record nine three-pointers, his defensive shortcomings and lack of playoff viability are glaring in a roster now being reshaped around Luka’s strengths
Meanwhile, a complex four-team trade framework gaining traction in league circles could offer Knecht a new opportunity—and give the Lakers and other franchises a way to retool. One version of the deal has Orlando acting as a cap-flexible middleman, sending Cole Anthony and a draft pick to Dallas for center Daniel Gafford. That transaction would set off a cascade involving Brooklyn and the Lakers, with Knecht ultimately landing in Orlando.
For the Magic, Knecht represents an intriguing upside swing. Despite concerns about his defense, his offensive flashes are real—he shot 37.6% from deep across 78 games and has already proven capable of explosive scoring nights. His arrival would also help Orlando redistribute playing time among a crowded backcourt.
Cole Anthony, while valuable in stretches, has seen his role shrink when the Magic are fully healthy. Moving him for frontcourt depth and future upside could be the kind of forward-thinking move the team needs to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.
For Dalton Knecht, the uncertainty is far from over. Even if he recovers in time for draft day, his name will almost certainly be back in trade talks. With Luka Doncic’s title window wide open and the Lakers scrambling to correct a flawed roster, time isn’t on Knecht’s side.
And for Rob Pelinka, the message is clear: It’s not about what worked last season, or what LeBron James wanted. It’s about building around Luka now—with players who fit the timeline, the scheme, and the urgency.
Knecht, talented as he may be, doesn’t check enough of those boxes.
