The Los Angeles Lakers have been looking for ways to address their roster crunch, and one potential solution is sending Dalton Knecht to the Milwaukee Bucks for much-needed frontcourt depth. The two teams have reportedly discussed a framework that would send Jericho Sims to Los Angeles.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers and Bucks held exploratory discussions centered on Knecht and Sims, with Los Angeles also sending Milwaukee draft compensation.
“League sources say that the Lakers and Bucks have held exploratory trade discussions on a framework that would ship former first-round selection Dalton Knecht to Milwaukee (along with second-round draft capital) in exchange for big man Jericho Sims.”
The Lakers need another defensive center behind Walker Kessler. Executing this trade would help them fix their crowded roster and fill a clear gap on the team.
Athletic Backup
Sims isn’t a player who would command a significant offensive role. But that’s not what the Lakers need from their backup center. The 6-foot-10 big man has built his NBA career around his athleticism, rebounding, and ability to play above the rim.
That skill set could give head coach JJ Redick another legitimate center to turn to when Kessler is off the floor. Los Angeles’ lack of rim protection behind Kessler has already stood out during the preseason, particularly when the Lakers have been forced to use smaller frontcourt combinations.
Adding Sims would give the Lakers another traditional big who can provide size and athleticism without needing touches offensively. That could be especially valuable if Los Angeles intends to maintain the aggressive perimeter defense it has shown throughout training camp and the preseason. Another rim protector behind that pressure would give its guards and wings more defensive freedom.
Moving on From Knecht
The more interesting part of the proposed framework may be Los Angeles’ willingness to include Knecht. The former first-round pick is in an uncertain position as the Lakers try to finalize their roster. Making a trade is an alternative to simply waiving a player.
In that context, turning Knecht into a player who fills a clearer positional need makes sense. Rather than take on the dead money that comes with waiving a guaranteed contract, Los Angeles could use its roster situation to rebalance the team before the regular season begins.
However, adding second-round draft picks to the deal makes things more complicated. The Lakers have to decide if improving their backup center is worth giving up Knecht and extra assets.
Lakers Still Have a Decision to Make
The fact that the discussions were described as exploratory suggests no deal is imminent. Still, the framework offers insight into what Los Angeles wants as it works through its roster crunch.
The Lakers have too many players fighting for a few roster spots and do not have a reliable defensive center behind Kessler. Trading Knecht for a big man, instead of waiving someone, could solve both problems at once.
Whether Sims ultimately becomes that player remains to be seen, but talks with Milwaukee show the Lakers are at least exploring ways to turn their roster dilemma into an opportunity. Acquiring a backup center would address one of the team’s most obvious needs heading into the regular season.
