It’s been a busy summer in Los Angeles. Following the departure of LeBron James, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka went right to work filling out the roster around Luka Doncic. What followed were key additions: Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. The Lakers barely have room for anyone else, unless they find a trade to offload one of their own players.
According to a report by insider Evan Sidery, that’s currently the plan in Los Angeles. Despite giving up most of their flexibility in the Walker Kessler deal, the Lakers might still acquire a quality role player using Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt.
“The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks,” reported Sidery on X. “After gaining two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade, Los Angeles could consolidate those assets in a deal immediately for a starting-caliber wing.”
Luka Doncic is excited about the Lakers’ summer so far, and it’s clear that he sees potential with this revamped roster. Even so, with teams like the Spurs and Thunder only getting better, Doncic knows that it won’t be enough to complete a title run. That’s why these next few weeks are so important, as any move they make could determine their success for the upcoming season.
Naturally, finding a trade with no flexibility is tough, but there is still a path to meaningful change if they play their cards right, and it involves Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht. Admittedly, they aren’t the most attractive assets, but they still have skills that could be useful in the right setting. If packaged together, the Lakers could open up $16 million in cap space, which they could use to find another starter on the wing. If that’s not enough, the Lakers got back two second-round picks as part of the Deandre Ayton trade, which they could use to sweeten the offer.
Whether they trade outright for a starter or make the space to sign one in free agency, this objective has become their top priority in light of their other moves. As far as potential outcomes go, the Lakers could try to offload the duo for flexibility or trade directly for a starter. Either way, while they can’t afford to be too picky, there are a few specific targets they have in mind.
For starters, there’s Rui Hachimura, who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He was more than serviceable in their starting lineup next season, and it’d be a huge win if they can bring him back. The problem is, not even $15 million may be enough to sign a guy who averaged 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 51.4% shooting and 44.3% shooting from three this past season.
P.J. Washington is another option, especially if the Lakers are willing to use their newly acquired second-round picks in a deal. As a rebuilding team, Washington doesn’t quite fit their timeline, which is why the Lakers may be able to get him at a discounted price. In 56 games last season, he averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game on 45.0% shooting from the field and 32.5% shooting from three.
Ultimately, only time will tell what the Lakers can cook here, but Rob Pelinka is not done trying to make the team better. After making a promise to Luka about the summer of 2026, he intends to keep his word, and that means exploring every possible path to improvement.
