Paul Pierce proposes trade for Dalton Knecht to strengthen Lakers roster

Through his first games for the LA Lakers, Dalton Knecht has displayed strong scoring ability in the Summer League. He is showing the tools that led Los Angeles to select him with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

In 31.2 minutes per game, Knecht has averaged 21.3 points, 2.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds, shooting nearly 42% from three and 39.1% from behind the arc.

With the teams' need for scoring options off the bench, the Lakers are hoping Knecht can carve out an immediate role on the bench as the team searches for another NBA Championship in 2024.

The Lakers will need further improvements to establish themselves as true contenders in the Western Conference, and could still be in the running to land a third star alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James to bolster their title hopes.

Paul Pierce believes the Lakers could trade Knecht to land that third star given the rookie's outstanding performance in the Summer League.

"I think Dalton Knecht has improved his stock, right here in the Summer League. So now, you could throw him in a package with [Austin Reeves] and [D'Angelo Russell] to where now you could probably net a third star," Pierce said.

Knecht may not possess the star power required for a Lakers title run, but the rookie has displayed the potential to be a cornerstone player for Los Angeles down the road. The rookie will likely find solid minutes coming off the Lakers' bench in his rookie season and could be a key player in a playoff run.

He fits what the Lakers need on the bench in 2024, offering three-level scoring versatility, off-the-ball scoring in spot-up situations and strong playmaking ability for a wing player.

Lakers failed to land third star in free agency

Entering free agency, the Lakers were expected to pursue a third star to pair with Davis and James, with the 39-year-old James signing a two-year, $104 million deal to remain in Los Angeles.

The Lakers were linked to Dejounte Murray, Donovan Mitchell and Demar DeRozan, all of which have become unavailable options for Los Angeles. Murray and DeRozan were traded, to the Pelicans and Kings respectively, and Mitchell inked a three-year extension to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James and Davis reportedly wanted the Lakers front office to go all-in while the core remained intact, but the team was unable to bring in a third star to compliment the star duo.

Several potential third stars remain in the running for the Lakers, but a lack of trade pieces could hinder trade talks throughout the remainder of the offseason.