Lakers to Have Significant Assets in 2025 Offseason Following Mark Williams Trade Fallout
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) takes a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
The Lakers will have the necessary assets to make a major move in the offseason.
By Gautam Varier
The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to back out of the Mark Williams trade has left them without a starting-quality big man for the remainder of this season. However, it has also positioned them well to target a high-profile acquisition in the offseason. Below is a breakdown of the assets the Lakers will have available after this season.
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 from Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent
If you believe Luka Doncic’s durability might be a concern by 2030, the 2031 first-round pick could become a valuable asset. The Dallas Mavericks don’t seem convinced that the Slovenian star will still be at his peak in four to five years, and if they’re correct, that pick could turn into a high lottery selection. The same reasoning applies to the pick swaps in 2030 and 2032, which could become significant if Dallas declines.
Regarding players, the Lakers hope Dalton Knecht regains his early-season form to enhance 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 in the 2024-25 season.
Knecht shot 42.9% from three-point range in his first 20 NBA games but has struggled since, hitting just 28.2% in the following 28 contests. Since his primary contribution is perimeter shooting, his value has dipped. The Lakers need him to find his stroke from deep, not only to boost his trade appeal but also to help them compete this season.
One Laker who hasn’t had trouble with his shot is Rui Hachimura. He is averaging 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 50.7% from the field and 42.7% from three-point range. Set to earn $18.2 million next season, Hachimura will hold value on the trade market.
Unlike Knecht, Gabe Vincent has improved his shooting as the season has progressed. Since December, Vincent has shot 40.4% from three and is finally living up to the expectations the Lakers had when they signed him to a three-year, $33 million deal in 2023. He is due to make $11.5 million in 2025-26 and, like Hachimura, is a viable trade chip.
Then there’s Maxi Kleber, who is the least valuable among them. While his best years are behind him, his expiring $11 million contract makes him a useful piece for salary matching in potential trades.
While these assets alone might not secure a superstar, they could be enough to acquire a star-caliber player or a promising young talent. Given the Lakers’ long-term approach after trading for Doncic, they are likely to pursue a younger player.
The Lakers have been linked to Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler for some time and could reignite their pursuit in the offseason. Additionally, their expiring contracts could be used to target Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton.
It remains to be seen which direction the Lakers ultimately take. Their willingness to offer significant assets for the right player was evident in the failed Williams trade, and they will have multiple opportunities to strengthen the roster this summer.
Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka speaks before introducing Luka Doncic at UCLA Health Training Center.