Dalton Knecht, drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, has impressed during the 2024 NBA Summer League. Paul Pierce has suggested that the Lakers could leverage Knecht’s current value in a trade to acquire a third star, as reported on Undisputed.
“Dalton Knecht has improved his stock,” Pierce remarked. “Now you can throw him in a package with players like (Austin) Reaves and D-Lo (D’Angelo Russell), which could potentially land you a third star. I’m not sure who that star would be yet, but I’m pleased to see Knecht performing well because without his strong play, this wouldn’t even be on the table.”
“So if the Lakers want to contend, they now have some valuable pieces they can put together in a trade package, which makes a lot of sense to me.”
This statement reflects Paul Pierce’s perspective on the Lakers’ potential to leverage their assets for contention.
Knecht, hailing from Tennessee, entered the draft with uncertain prospects despite performing well in college. There was ambiguity surrounding when he would be selected. It came as a surprise when Knecht fell to the No. 17 overall pick, prompting the Lakers to draft him. Now, in the NBA Summer League, the Tennessee product is showing promising signs of potential.
Is Dalton Knecht a tradeable player?
The Lakers should not trade Knecht simply to change course. He is a talented young player with a promising potential.