Lakers urged to swap Dalton Knecht for $30 million ex-Raptors All-Rookie center after Deandre Ayton trade

Lakers urged to swap Dalton Knecht for $30 million ex-Raptors All-Rookie center after Deandre Ayton trade originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers have seen enough from Deandre Ayton after one season.

The storied Western Conference is reportedly sending the former No. 1 overall pick to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks (2031 and 2032). 

It’s clear that the Lakers, who acquired Walker Kessler via sign-and-trade but lost Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, should be on the hunt for another center to help give them frontcourt comfort going forward.

AltitudeTV’s Vic Lombardi (Denver Nuggets reporter) urged Los Angeles to swap Dalton Knecht for a $30 million ex-Toronto Raptors All-Rookie center to replace Ayton.

“Valanciunis to the Lakers for Dalton Knecht and,” Lombardi said on X/Twitter before allowing other users to chime in on his unfinished hypothetical trade scenario.

While a trade for Valanciunas would likely have to include a few more assets, the idea of the Lakers acquiring a 34-year-old veteran big man makes sense, given that Charania listed him as a potential target for the organization.

Valanciunas was a solid backup center for the Nuggets this past season, averaging 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 58.2% from the field in 65 contests. 

Although the former No. 5 overall pick isn’t a great vertical athlete or rim protector, he possesses a methodical offensive approach similar to Luka Doncic’s. Valanciunas has carved out a respectable NBA career for himself due to his ability to gain position in the low post and feel out defenders before making his next move. 

In other words, Valanciunas, like Doncic, is never in a hurry on the offensive end, allowing him to regularly get high-percentage looks. Moving on from a disappointing wing in Knecht and landing a polished center in Valanciunas would be an undeniable win for the organization this summer. 

More NBA news:

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• Luka Doncic sends clear message to Lakers on roster they can’t afford to ignore