Dalton Knecht Reportedly Requests Trade from Lakers Amid Diminished Role
Dalton Knecht’s NBA journey has hit a pivotal point. The former Tennessee standout, once lighting up college arenas with his scoring flair, now finds himself on the fringes of a crowded Lakers rotation - and he's reportedly ready for a change.
According to Lakers beat reporter Anthony Irwin, Knecht has approached Los Angeles' front office and requested a trade. It's a move that reflects both the depth of the Lakers' backcourt and Knecht's desire to find a situation where he can showcase the offensive skill set that made him a college star.
Through his rookie season, Knecht has averaged 9.1 points on an efficient 46% shooting clip - solid numbers for a first-year player adjusting to the NBA’s pace and physicality. But this season, his role has shrunk considerably. He's down to just 12 minutes per game, averaging 4.8 points - a clear step back in opportunity.
And it’s not hard to see why. The Lakers' guard room is stacked.
Luka Dončić commands the ball as the team’s offensive engine. Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart bring two-way reliability, while Gabe Vincent adds veteran poise.
Add LeBron James to the mix - still orchestrating much of the offense - and touches are hard to come by. For a young scorer like Knecht, that means limited chances to get into rhythm, let alone make a consistent impact.
Still, the flashes have been there. Knecht’s breakout moment came in November 2024, when he torched the Utah Jazz for 37 points, going 12-for-16 from the field and burying nine threes. It was a reminder of what he can do when given the green light - a high-volume, high-efficiency scorer capable of swinging a game.
Now, with the trade deadline approaching, the question becomes: where does he go from here?
There’s some buzz around Cleveland as a potential landing spot. The Cavaliers, unlike the Lakers, don’t have the same logjam in the backcourt and could use a scoring punch off the bench. It’s a team with playoff ambitions, but one where Knecht could carve out a more defined role - a win-win scenario if the fit is right.
Interestingly, this trade request surfaces just as Tennessee is preparing to host Auburn - a matchup that brings back memories of one of Knecht’s signature college performances. The last time the Tigers came to Knoxville, Knecht lit up the scoreboard with 39 points, leading then-No.
4 Tennessee to a statement win over No. 11 Auburn.
He shot 12-of-21 from the field, hit five threes, and added three steals in a game that solidified his status as the SEC Player of the Year.
That version of Dalton Knecht - fearless, efficient, and electric - is still in there. He just needs the right system and the right opportunity to let it loose again.
There was nearly a fresh start in his rookie year when the Lakers reportedly had a deal in place to send him to Charlotte. But that trade fell apart when Hornets center Mark Williams didn’t pass his physical. Since then, it seems Knecht has been stuck in limbo - trusted enough to be on the roster, but not enough to earn consistent minutes.
That could change soon. Whether it’s Cleveland or another team in need of scoring depth, Knecht’s name is one to watch as the trade deadline nears. For now, he’s made his intentions clear - he’s ready for a new chapter.