The Los Angeles Lakers got their next superstar, but they’re now quite thin up front.
That’s why they wanted to acquire a defensive-oriented and athletic big man.
However, since the trade for Mark Williams fell through, they will now have to scout the free-agent and buyout markets to find a solution.
Then again, that also opened up the door for a rather awkward turn of events.
With that trade being rescinded, Cam Reddish and Dalton Knecht are back with the Lakers.
Needless to say, it didn’t take long before the fans started cracking jokes about how that situation might turn out.
Dalton Knecht on Lakers team plane looking at Rob Pelinka
pic.twitter.com/EKx9Kt68w1
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 9, 2025
Dalton Knecht entering the Lakers’ locker room pic.twitter.com/1KesZQXJkq
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) February 9, 2025
Dalton Knecht bout to go crazy the rest of the season 🤣 pic.twitter.com/la1iClto0N
— Overtime (@overtime) February 9, 2025
Pelinka when he sees Dalton Knecht & Cam Reddish pic.twitter.com/u47vMhIGBz
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) February 9, 2025
Knecht had some bright moments earlier in the season.
He was one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this class, and losing him would be a huge blow.
Still, with their current needs, he would have to be the odd man out in this transaction.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that neither Rob Pelinka nor the Lakers considered him part of the organization’s future, but this is now just awkward.
Of course, this is a business, so both parties will have to be professionals about it.
The Lakers now only have Jaxson Hayes at center.
Maxi Kleber can hold his ground against smaller opponents, but he’s not big or athletic enough to be the player the Lakers need right now.
There aren’t many options available, so perhaps they will consider veteran players overseas, such as DeMarcus Cousins and Dwight Howard.
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