Lakers Rookie Emerges as Raptors Offseason Trade Target

After a rollercoaster first season, Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has finally found his rhythm. After tying the NBA rookie record for most three-pointers in a game (9), the young guard hit a minor slump before being traded to the hornets in a package that inevitably fell apart, bringing him back to the Lakers. Rather than being disheartened by the franchise’s eagerness to trade him, Knecht buckled down and focused on proving his value. In Sunday’s 108-102 victory over the Clippers, Knecht exploded for 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including a scorching 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, outscoring LeBron James, who finished with 17 points in 36 minutes. The former Tennessee standout has been heating up at the perfect time for a Lakers team that’s established itself as one of the league’s hottest squads since acquiring Luka Dončić. With Rui Hachimura sidelined, Knecht has stepped up, showcasing the shooting touch that made him the 2023-24 SEC Player of the Year. Now, over 2/3 of the way through the season, the rookie is already being talked about as a coveted offseason trade target for teams looking to rebuild. According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the Toronto Raptors could be first in line: “The Raptors should also have a clear

priority on perimeter shooting, since Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram all generally operate inside the arc… The Lakers have already shown their willingness to part with Knecht once, and Toronto should see if this first-year sharpshooter remains gettable.” On paper, the fit makes sense. c ranks among the NBA’s worst three-point shooting teams this season, sitting 29th in total makes (696) and 21st in percentage (34.8%). In today’s NBA, that’s simply not good enough.

At 19-42, the Raptors are far from contention and likely hunting for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Knecht would enter a situation where the spotlight isn’t nearly as bright as Los Angeles. There would be no immediate championship expectations, potentially allowing him to develop at his own pace. However, before the Lakers pull the trigger on any deal, they must carefully consider what they’d be giving up. Young shooters with Knecht’s potential are a rarity. If he continues to improve defensively while maintaining his shooting touch, he could become a valuable rotation piece for a championship contender. The bigger question is what Toronto could offer in return. As a rebuilding team, their assets likely include future draft picks or young players who may not fit the Lakers’ win-now

timeline. Unless the Raptors present Los Angeles with an enticing package featuring an immediate impact player, the Lakers might be better off keeping their rookie sharpshooter. JJ Redick’s recent handling of Knecht speaks volumes about the organization’s fluctuating view of his role. Before last week’s game against the Clippers, Redick had informed Knecht he wouldn’t be part of the rotation. But circumstances changed, and the rookie answered the call when needed.