Lakers look to trade Knecht and LaRavia for center Jalen Smith
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 4:17 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers are considering a trade that would send Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia to the Chicago Bulls for center Jalen Smith. The Lakers aim to bolster their roster, particularly at the center position, following the departure of LeBron James. The team has been active in the trade market, seeking reliable assets to complement their core players Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. Smith, who has a career earnings total of $36 million, could provide valuable rim protection as a backup behind Walker Kessler. Negotiations are ongoing, with the Lakers potentially including second-round draft picks in the deal if the Bulls are amenable to acquiring Knecht.
- •Lakers targeting Jalen Smith to enhance center depth
- •Knecht and LaRavia included in trade discussions
- •Lakers actively shopping contracts to improve roster
- •Desire for younger roster fits timeline with Doncic and Reaves
- •Negotiations reportedly ongoing with Chicago Bulls
- 4:17 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht, Cameron Carr for $362M veteran duo with Finals experience
- 5:55 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia for $36M much-needed rim protector
"The Los Angeles Lakers need a a stretch-big or backup center of some sort. In this potential deal, they get just that and one of the best shooter's of all time.
"The Los Angeles Lakers have been trying to get rid of Dalton Knecht this entire summer. In this potential deal they offload him for a center of need.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 5, 2026, 4:17 PMLakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht, Cameron Carr for $362M veteran duo with Finals experience
The Los Angeles Lakers need a a stretch-big or backup center of some sort. In this potential deal, they get just that and one of the best shooter's of all time.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 5:55 PMLakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia for $36M much-needed rim protector
The Los Angeles Lakers have been trying to get rid of Dalton Knecht this entire summer. In this potential deal they offload him for a center of need.
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