Lakers Fans Open To Trading Dalton Knecht For Walker Kessler: A Smart Move?

The Los Angeles Lakers are in dire need of a dominant big man, and fans seem more than willing to part ways with rookie Dalton Knecht to acquire Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. A recent discussion on the Lakers subreddit revealed overwhelming support for such a trade, with many fans agreeing they would make the deal “in a heartbeat.“

Lakers Fans Weigh In on the Trade

Lakers supporters did not hold back when discussing a potential Knecht-for-Kessler trade:

“Yes, in a heartbeat, but that also means the Jazz would hang up the phone,” noted one fan, recognizing Kessler’s value to Utah.
“Straight up no additional picks, yes,” another fan stated, emphasizing a pick-free deal.
“Yeah, and I’d include more draft capital to make it happen if it was an option,” a fan suggested, showing a willingness to sweeten the deal.
“Kessler is younger and plays a more difficult-to-fill role as a two-way player. This should be a very easy, obvious yes,” argued another.

While enthusiasm for Kessler is high, the feasibility of the trade remains uncertain, as Utah has no real incentive to part with their defensive anchor.

Dalton Knecht’s Struggles and the Lakers’ Needs

Knecht, the 17th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, started his rookie campaign strong but has hit a rookie wall in recent games. Initially shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc in his first 20 games, his accuracy has plummeted to 19.1% in the last 20 games.

Currently, Knecht is averaging:

9.3 points per game
3.2 rebounds per game
1.0 assists per game
33.9% shooting from beyond the arc

Meanwhile, Kessler, who had a sophomore slump last season, has bounced back in 2024-25 with impressive numbers:

11.1 points per game
11.4 rebounds per game
2.5 blocks per game

Kessler’s defensive presence could help the Lakers improve their 115.7 defensive rating, which currently ranks 24th in the NBA.

Challenges of Acquiring Kessler

While Kessler would undoubtedly strengthen the Lakers’ defense, acquiring him won’t come cheap. The Jazz are unlikely to trade Kessler without significant draft capital involved, which the Lakers have been reluctant to part with. The question remains whether the Lakers are willing to sacrifice picks to solve their defensive woes.

Moreover, Kessler’s offensive limitations present another challenge. The Lakers currently rank 20th in three-point percentage at 35.3%, and adding a non-shooter like Kessler may exacerbate their offensive struggles.

Conclusion

While Lakers fans might be eager to trade Knecht for Kessler, the reality of such a deal remains complex. The front office must carefully evaluate whether Kessler’s defensive impact outweighs his offensive limitations and if parting with draft picks is worth the investment.

For now, the Lakers might need to explore short-term solutions that provide defensive stability without compromising their offensive firepower.