What happened: The Los Angeles Lakers are shopping forwards Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt, per NBA insider Evan Sidery. The move comes amid a sweeping offseason overhaul led by general manager Rob Pelinka, with the front office eyeing a versatile wing defender and a backup center to round out the rotation.
Why it matters: Half of the Lakers' starting lineup walked in free agency, including four-time champion LeBron James, leaving Pelinka to rebuild the supporting cast around Luka Doncic. The second-round picks acquired from the Washington Wizards in the Deandre Ayton deal give L.A. consolidation ammunition, and Vanderbilt's name has circulated in trade frameworks since June. Alternatively, waiving Vanderbilt would open financial flexibility to sign a free agent outright.
By the numbers: The Lakers signed Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal to anchor the center spot. L.A.
What to watch: Watch whether Pelinka packages the second-round picks with Knecht or Vanderbilt for a wing, or waives Vanderbilt to chase a free agent. Doncic is said to be excited about the new era in Los Angeles as the 2026-27 roster takes shape.