NBA insider Jovan Buha believes Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber are the most likely Lakers to be traded, while Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero, and Jarred Vanderbilt might stay beyond this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have won four straight games and improved to 6–2 this season — and LeBron James hasn’t even suited up yet. That’s an encouraging sign for the L.A. franchise, but there’s still room to strengthen the roster, whether before the February trade deadline or next summer.
NBA reporter Jovan Buha recently discussed which players are likely to remain with the Lakers beyond this season. He singled out the team’s Big Three — Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James — though LeBron’s situation remains fluid since he’s on an expiring deal and could decide to move on next summer.
Buha also mentioned three players who might not be part of Los Angeles’ long-term plans.
“Dalton [Knecht], I still think, is among the most likely players to be traded along with Gabe [Vincent] and Maxi [Kleber],” Buha said on his podcast. “I don’t think much has changed there.”
On the flip side, he named three others who seem more likely to stick around with the Lakers alongside the Big Three.
“I would say Jake [LaRavia], Adou [Thiero], and Vando [Jarred Vanderbilt] are probably the three that are the most likely outside of the Top 3,” Buha added.
Knecht, 24, was actually traded last February in a package for former Charlotte Hornets center and current Phoenix Suns big man Mark Williams — but that deal was later rescinded due to Williams’ health concerns.
