The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to back out of the Mark Williams trade has left them without a starting-caliber big man for the remainder of the season. However, it also positions them well to pursue a significant acquisition in the offseason. Here’s a breakdown of the key assets they will have at their disposal:
- 2031 first-round pick
- 2025 and 2032 second-round picks
- Pick swaps in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032
- Dalton Knecht
- $40 million in expiring contracts (Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent)
Depending on how Luka Doncic’s health holds up over the next few years, the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick could carry considerable value. The Dallas Mavericks don’t appear convinced that Doncic will remain dominant four to five years down the road, and if they’re correct, that selection could turn into a high lottery pick. The same logic applies to the 2030 and 2032 pick swaps.
On the player front, the Lakers are hoping that Dalton Knecht can recapture his early-season shooting form to elevate his trade value. The 23-year-old rookie is currently averaging 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game. After shooting 42.9% from three in his first 20 games, his percentage has dipped to 28.2% over the next 28 contests. Given that his primary skill is shooting, his value is lower than the Lakers would like. A strong finish to the season could not only boost his trade stock but also help the team stay competitive.
One Laker who hasn’t had shooting struggles is Rui Hachimura. He is averaging 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks while shooting 50.7% from the field and 42.7% from three. With an $18.2 million salary next season, he remains a valuable trade piece.
Meanwhile, Gabe Vincent has improved as the season has progressed. Since December, he has been shooting 40.4% from three, finally performing as the Lakers hoped when they signed him to a three-year, $33 million contract in 2023. He will earn $11.5 million in 2025-26, making him another useful trade asset.
Maxi Kleber, on the other hand, is the least valuable of the three. Though past his prime, his $11 million expiring contract could still be useful for salary-matching purposes.
While these assets may not be enough to land a superstar, they could help the Lakers acquire an established star or a promising young player. Given that the franchise is balancing both present and future considerations after adding Doncic, they may prioritize a younger target.
The Lakers have reportedly had their eye on Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler for some time and may revisit that pursuit in the offseason. With multiple expiring contracts, they could also explore a deal for Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton.
It remains to be seen who the Lakers will ultimately target, but their willingness to part with assets in the failed Williams trade suggests they will be aggressive this summer.
