NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers suffer massive blow as $18,483,220 sniper's value sinks after flop show

The LA Lakers announced the signing of Marcus Smart on Tuesday, continuing to bolster their roster after bringing in Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. There have also been trade rumors involving rookie Dalton Knecht, who’s on a four-year, $18,483,220 deal, as the Lakers look to add even more firepower.

However, according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, the team's hopes of using Knecht as a valuable trade asset have taken a major hit. In a recent podcast episode, Buha reported that Knecht’s trade stock plummeted following a disappointing performance in the NBA Summer League.

“I don’t think at this point he is valued as a first-round pick, in terms of an asset valuation," Buha said. "That was what I heard in Vegas from talking to multiple people, non-Lakers people, just gauging what would you give for Dalton Knecht? Or if the Lakers are putting Dalton Knecht in a trade, what is he worth? And the feedback I got was, no longer worth a first-round valuation.”

The Lakers selected the former Tennessee sharpshooter with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He had a disappointing showing in the 2025 NBA Summer League. Not only did he struggle with efficiency, but he also failed to showcase the full range of his skill set, missing a key opportunity to boost his stock.

In three games, Knecht averaged just 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Most concerning was his shooting, as he connected on only 27.9% of his field goal attempts, including just 23.8% from 3-point range.

Lakers fans react to latest report on Dalton Knecht

Social media erupted on Tuesday following Jovan Buha’s report on Dalton Knecht, with Lakers fans voicing strong opinions as they eagerly await a potential trade from the front office.

A fan said:

jason

@sikamikanicyo

making us pay for almost sending him to charlotte 😭

Another fan said:

Itachi_17

@KinG_WIzarD617

He did it on purpose, He doesn’t want to leave

A user commented:

Dmitry Muzychuk

@AgentD24

Homie gonna be playing connect 4 in China soon

A user wrote:

Harry Johnson

@harrysjohnson2

As soon as he gets traded, he is going to start cooking.

Interestingly, Knecht had already been traded earlier this year when the Lakers included him in a deal for Mark Williams. However, the sharpshooter returned to the team after the trade was rescinded.