Will LA pursue this Nuggets star?
As the February deadline approaches, Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors are circling again, especially regarding forward Dalton Knecht. This is not unfamiliar territory for Knecht, who was briefly traded to the Charlotte Hornets last season for Mark Williams before a failed physical voided the deal and sent him back to Los Angeles.
Reports indicate that Knecht is back on the trade block as he struggles to solidify a spot in the rotation. While his perimeter shooting is a clear strength, his defensive limitations have kept him in head coach JJ Redick’s cottage. Redick emphasized that playing hard is the primary requirement for consistent minutes, not just scoring.
The front office is also looking ahead to the summer with ambitious goals in mind. According to recent reports, the Lakers are among the teams with plenty of cap space preparing for the chase Peyton Watson. This was first noticed by The Stein Line.
Rival executives believe the Denver Nuggets could face significant challenges retaining the fourth-year swingman, whose recent breakout performance has made his upcoming restricted free agency a critical story. The Lakers are reportedly keeping a close eye on this situation, viewing Watson as a potential key acquisition if Denver can’t keep him.
Overshadowing these moves is the looming decision regarding LeBron James. Currently in his eighth season with the Lakers, James is nearing contract expiration as the franchise shifts its long-term focus to Luka Doncic as the star of the future.
Despite struggling with sciatica at the beginning of the year, James is back in top form. However, his future in Los Angeles remains unclear.
Should he decide to leave, sources confirm that the Cleveland Cavaliers are ready to welcome James with open arms for a third stint, offering him a home for his twenty-fourth NBA season.
2026-01-28 17:43:00
