Los Angeles Lakers won’t have trade flexibility this season thanks to major blunder

The Los Angeles Lakers attempted to trade rookie Dalton Knecht, along with draft capital, to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams before last season's trade deadline, but the deal was reversed when Williams failed his physical. This signaled to the league that Knecht was expendable and the Lakers were willing to use him as a substitute for an additional draft pick in trades.

Despite being drafted as one of the top shooters in his class and showing scoring ability in his rookie season, Knecht struggled significantly during the recent Las Vegas Summer League. Lakers insider Jovan Buha reported that Knecht's performance there hurt his stock, with feedback suggesting he is no longer valued as a first-round pick asset. This decline in value occurred despite expectations he would dominate the Summer League.

Consequently, the Lakers' initial plan to use Knecht as a valuable trade chip has backfired. Where he was once dangled as a "tantalizing young player" who could aid a team's rebuild (like the Hornets), his current perceived value is much lower. If the Lakers want to trade him now, especially for a "win-now player," they will likely need to attach additional draft capital alongside him. Buha confirmed the feedback is that Knecht is "no longer worth a first-round valuation."

The article questions the Lakers' decision to play Knecht in the Summer League, arguing it served no purpose since the team has no plans to build around him and only succeeded in tanking his trade value. Sitting him out would have at least maintained his value, as his rookie season had already demonstrated he could handle an NBA role as a scorer. His diminished role last season was partly attributed to the awkward environment created by the failed trade.