The Los Angeles Lakers are actively trying to trade forwards Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht before the NBA season begins. This news comes as the team looks to finalize its roster after a difficult playoff exit.
Team officials are focused on reshaping the lineup. They currently have 16 players under contract and must get down to the league-mandated 15. Trading or waiving a player is the most likely path, with Vanderbilt and Knecht seen as the top candidates to be moved.
Jarred Vanderbilt has two years left on his $48 million contract. That financial commitment makes finding a trade partner more challenging for the Lakers' front office. Vanderbilt is a defensive specialist, but his offensive limitations have been a topic of discussion.
Dalton Knecht is entering his third NBA season and remains on his rookie-scale contract. The 25-year-old wing has struggled to find a consistent role since a bizarre trade to the Charlotte Hornets fell through last season. In February 2025, the Lakers agreed to send Knecht to Charlotte for center Mark Williams. The deal was rescinded three days later after Williams failed his physical exam, sending Knecht back to Los Angeles.
Since returning, Knecht's playing time has dwindled due to a lack of production. The Lakers once viewed him as a promising first-round pick, but his development has stalled. Moving him now could free up a roster spot and potentially bring back a player who fits better.
The push for a roster change follows a disappointing end to the 2025-26 campaign.
They lost their final four contests, all against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the postseason. The series included defeats of 108-131 on May 10, 125-107 on May 8, and 108-90 on May 6. You can review the full playoff journey on our stats page.
This playoff performance highlighted a clear need for more reliable perimeter defense and scoring depth. The team missed out on acquiring a player like Jonathan Kuminga, who was seen as an ideal versatile wing defender. That missed opportunity has left a hole in the rotation that the front office is still trying to fill.
The immediate goal is to complete a trade before Opening Night. The entire Lakers roster, including Vanderbilt and Knecht, recently traveled to Slovenia for a four-day minicamp hosted by Luka Doncic. That bonding experience now has a business side, as two participants are openly available.
Finding a deal for Vanderbilt will require creativity due to his contract. The Lakers might need to attach a draft pick or take back a similar salary to help a move. For Knecht, the market could involve teams looking for a low-cost, young player with potential who needs a change of scenery.
If a trade cannot be found, the Lakers may consider waiving one of the players. That would be a less ideal outcome, as it would mean absorbing the salary without getting an asset in return. The front office is evidently determined to address what they see as their biggest need before the first tip-off. The clock is ticking, and all eyes are on the Lakers' next move as they try to bounce back from a tough playoff run.
