The Lakers have a roster decision to make before Opening Night, and two familiar names could be moved as part of the process.
Los Angeles currently carries 16 players, one above the regular-season limit.
Rather than simply making a cut, the front office is reportedly exploring the trade market for Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht, according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer.
The development comes shortly after both players joined their teammates in Slovenia for Luka Doncic’s four-day minicamp.
Despite taking part in the team-building trip, neither appears assured of remaining with Los Angeles when the season begins.
Knecht’s name appearing in trade discussions is nothing new. In February 2025, Los Angeles included him in the deal that would have brought Mark Williams from Charlotte.
That move was canceled three days later when Williams failed his physical, sending Knecht back to the Lakers.
His role has since diminished, with inconsistent production contributing to reduced playing time.
Now entering his third NBA season, the 25-year-old remains on his rookie contract and could once again become part of a deal.
Moving Vanderbilt could be more challenging. The forward still has two seasons left on his $48 million contract and has previously surfaced as a possible trade candidate.
Los Angeles also remains in search of additional help on the wing.
The Lakers pursued Jonathan Kuminga before he ultimately joined Minnesota, leaving the team without the versatile defender it had targeted.
With one roster spot needing to be cleared and that weakness still unresolved, the Lakers could use the situation to make another change rather than simply waive a player before the season.
