REPORT: Lakers Could Trade Dalton Knecht and Maxi Kleber in Upcoming Consolidation Deal to Clear Path for Marcus Smart Signing

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly in the midst of orchestrating a “consolidation transaction” that could involve recent first-round pick Dalton Knecht and veteran forward Maxi Kleber, per a report from NBA insider Anthony Irwin. The motive behind the potential maneuver? Clearing the necessary space to finalize a signing of Marcus Smart—a move that has intrigued fans and insiders alike given the Lakers’ evolving roster construction heading into the 2025–26 NBA season.

Irwin reported that despite the Lakers waiving Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin, they still lack the cap flexibility to use the Bi-Annual Exception (BAE) to sign Smart. “The Lakers can not sign Marcus Smart to the BAE even after waiving Shake Milton, Jordan Goodwin… another move is coming,” Irwin stated. The phrase “another move is coming” sent ripples through the NBA community, sparking speculation about who could be on the move to make way for the hard-nosed guard.

Dalton Knecht, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has had a promising rookie season by most accounts. Averaging 9.8 points per game while shooting 37.6% from beyond the arc, Knecht carved out a solid rotational role, particularly as a perimeter scorer. His sharpshooting helped stretch the floor alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves, giving the Lakers a valuable floor spacer. But in the NBA, potential and production often collide with the hard truth of financial logistics.

Maxi Kleber, acquired in the deal that brought Deandre Ayton to Los Angeles, is another name now in the rumor mill. Kleber, a 6-foot-10 veteran with playoff experience and defensive versatility, had moments where his ability to guard multiple positions and knock down the occasional three-pointer offered real value to the Lakers. However, with a logjam in the frontcourt—Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Adou Thiero all on the depth chart—Kleber’s role appeared uncertain even before the trade murmurs began.

A consolidation transaction would, in theory, serve two purposes for the Lakers: streamline the roster by turning multiple medium-value pieces into one or fewer more impactful ones and create the financial breathing room required to bring in Smart. The former Defensive Player of the Year is known for his leadership, perimeter defense, and toughness—traits that would instantly add edge to a Lakers team looking to vault back into title contention after a second-round playoff exit last season.

Smart’s arrival would address one of the Lakers’ most pressing issues: point-of-attack defense. While Marcus Smart has battled injuries in recent seasons, his tenacity, championship experience with the Celtics, and playmaking make him an ideal veteran addition, especially if paired with Luka Dončić, who the Lakers stunningly acquired earlier this offseason in a blockbuster deal with Dallas. Smart’s ability to take defensive pressure off Dončić and LeBron James could elevate the Lakers’ perimeter defense to one of the best in the league.

However, there’s a price to be paid. Dalton Knecht’s inclusion in trade discussions speaks to just how aggressive the Lakers front office is under GM Rob Pelinka. Knecht, who entered the league out of Tennessee with a reputation as a big-game shot-maker, became a fan favorite with his composed play and confidence. He also offered a much-needed injection of youth into an aging Lakers roster. Losing him, even in a consolidation trade, will likely sting in the short term and draw criticism should the trade not result in immediate postseason success.

As for Kleber, the decision appears more straightforward. His age, contract, and role redundancy make him expendable. What remains unclear is what type of return the Lakers are targeting in a consolidation trade. Would this be a multi-team deal that sends Knecht and Kleber out while absorbing Smart via sign-and-trade? Or would Los Angeles offload salary to a team with cap space in exchange for future picks or low-salary prospects to free up room for Smart under the BAE?

Irwin’s report did not detail potential trade partners, but speculative logic points to teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, or Charlotte Hornets—franchises with ample cap space and an eye for adding young, controllable talent like Knecht. The Lakers, meanwhile, may look to loop in a third team to facilitate Smart’s acquisition, particularly since he is still under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Financial gymnastics will play a significant role in the days ahead. The Lakers currently have 15 players under contract, not including two-way contracts. Adding Smart using the BAE would push them closer to the first apron, complicating future transactions and limiting trade flexibility. By moving Kleber and Knecht, the team would reduce salary commitments and open a spot to sign Smart outright or negotiate a more palatable trade involving less guaranteed money.

Fans have already taken to social media, debating the merits of dealing a promising rookie like Knecht for a win-now veteran. “Don’t trade Knecht,” one fan tweeted. “We’re gonna regret that in 3 years.” Another countered, “If Marcus Smart can help Luka and LeBron win now, you pull the trigger.” It’s a classic Lakers conundrum—balancing immediate championship aspirations with the long-term value of player development.

The Lakers’ front office is clearly leaning into an aggressive strategy this offseason. The addition of Dončić rewrote the trajectory of the franchise overnight. With LeBron James nearing the end of his storied career and Anthony Davis looking to recapture his All-NBA form, there’s an unmistakable urgency to capitalize on the window. Marcus Smart, with all his grit and postseason savvy, fits that timeline.

Of course, any deal involving Smart will also depend on Memphis’ willingness to part with him and the broader market dynamics. Other contenders could emerge as suitors for the 30-year-old guard, particularly if they see the Lakers hesitating or struggling to find the right trade balance. The Lakers must act quickly and decisively if Smart is indeed their target.

In the meantime, Dalton Knecht and Maxi Kleber wait in limbo. For Knecht, this moment is a stark reminder of the business side of the NBA. Just a year ago, he was walking across the stage as a lottery pick. Now, he’s being packaged in trade talks to help create cap flexibility. For Kleber, it’s a familiar scenario—one that most veterans understand comes with the territory of being a serviceable role player on a contender.

Should the deal go through, the Lakers’ final roster would likely look like this: Luka Dončić, Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton as the starting five, with a bench featuring Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes, Gabe Vincent, Bronny James, and Adou Thiero. It’s a group that blends elite talent, playoff experience, and young potential—though it’s built to win now, not five years from now.

Whether that vision becomes a reality depends on what happens next. But according to Anthony Irwin, the Lakers are far from done, and the next domino could fall sooner than later. The clock is ticking in Los Angeles—and for Dalton Knecht and Maxi Kleber, the future may lie elsewhere as the Lakers chase banner No. 18.