The Los Angeles Lakers released a player on Sunday.
Lakers Predicted to Make Dalton Knecht Trade After Roster Move on Sunday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers are moving with urgency this offseason as they attempt to build a roster capable of making a deep playoff run. After a disappointing first-round exit last season, the franchise is focused on building a championship team alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James to compete for the title in 2025.
On Saturday, the Lakers took a major step in that direction with news that Marcus Smart is expected to join the team. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with Los Angeles after clearing waivers. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the 2026 season, and Smart’s arrival fills a critical need on the roster.
Following the news on Smart, Charania reported on Sunday that the Lakers have also waived guard Shake Milton. Milton’s $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed later in the day.
The decision to release him opens up additional cap space and a roster spot ahead of Smart’s anticipated arrival. However, that is not expected to be enough. The Lakers need to make another move, and Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints said that is expected to be a trade.
Specifically, LA could look to consolidate its roster by moving Dalton Knecht.
The Lakers are working on a “consolidation trade” that would likely involve Dalton Knecht and Maxi Kleber, per @AnthonyIrwinLA
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 20, 2025
The Lakers can not sign Marcus Smart to the BAE even after waiving Shake Milton… another move is coming pic.twitter.com/SIVKwKAxNo
Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation corroborated this reporting to a degree, stating Los Angeles still needs to make a move, and a trade is among the options.
The latest move by the Lakers is another added step towards improving their perimeter defense. Milton appeared in 30 games after joining the team last season but never carved out a consistent role. His departure now clears the way for Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, with playoff experience under his belt.
With Smart now set to join Doncic, James, Deandre Ayton, and Austin Reaves, the Lakers are positioned to field one of the league’s most balanced two-way rosters. Smart’s defense and experience bring added toughness to a team determined to reestablish itself as a title contender.
Related: Luka Doncic Report Emerges After Marcus Smart News
Related: NBA Fans React to Marcus Smart, Lakers News
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
