Dalton Knecht’s Summer League performance sparked major concerns. While many players his age, even younger, are already All-Stars and franchise leaders, Knecht, 24, has been struggling against a bunch of G Leaguers. Despite a year’s NBA experience under his belt, he averaged merely 10.3 points on 27.9% shooting in Las Vegas. His underwhelming performances drove potential trade speculations… and the Lakers might have received perfect advice on what to do next.

Earlier this summer, Rob Pelinka took care of the team’s size problem by bringing in seven-footer Deandre Ayton following his Blazers buyout. But the GM reportedly intends to further strengthen the Lakers’ rim protection and front-court depth, which is why he has Robert Williams III on his radar. According to sources, the Lakers are currently heavy favorites to land Williams over multiple interested suitors, including the Warriors, the Bucks, and the Celtics. Here’s how they can pull it off.

Per media personality Jake Weinbach, the potential trade proposal brings Williams to the Lakers. In exchange, Pelinka would send Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, and a 2032 second-round pick to the Blazers. Although it’s not clear if Portland is entertaining any offers right now, the Lakers have examined the Center’s availability. However, there are also other ways to get Robert Williams III:

A simple two-for-one swap could also be a possibility, where the Lakers get Williams and the Blazers receive Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber or it could be Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt.

Well, the proposal seems like a sensible solution because Pelinka has already traded Knecht for a big man once before. At the February deadline, he sent him to Charlotte in exchange for Mark Williams. However, the deal was eventually rescinded because Mark Williams failed his physical. So, Pelinka clearly sees Knecht as an expendable asset.

Meanwhile, Kleber has never suited up in Purple and Gold during the regular season, as he spent the majority of last year injured. Losing him would not impact Lakers’ rotation. Combining Knecht and Kleber, along with a second rounder, is not a bad price for a player like Robert Williams.

How can the Robert Williams – Dalton Knecht trade be a win-win situation for everyone?

At 6’9, Williams’ presence inside the paint is undeniable. Last season, he averaged 1.7 blocks and nearly six rebounds in Portland. But his career’s golden days were when he played for the Celtics. During the 2021-22 season, he averaged 10 points and nearly ten rebounds. He can be highly productive on a championship-calibre team, and that’s what the Lakers would expect from him next season.

The only concern with Williams is health. In the last three seasons, he has played a total of 61 games. So, the Lakers’ biggest challenge would be to keep him healthy. If they do that, they could have one of the most lethal front courts in the league!

Meanwhile, Knecht moving to Portland could provide a necessary restart for his career. Although he had a breakout rookie season, it has been difficult for the forward to find his rhythm amid the constant LA drama. Even during Summer League, all eyes were on him as he struggled to regain his rookie-season form. “Something’s going on with him… he just didn’t do anything in Summer League. I was so disappointed in him.” Media veteran Ryan Ward remarked.

If Knecht gets sent to the Blazers, it might be easier for him to shift his focus strictly to basketball, away from the constant media noise. Maybe that will help bring out the Knecht who everyone thought could become a future star in the league. What are your thoughts on this trade proposal? Let us know in the comments below.