Lakers trade rumors: Dalton Knecht for Toumani Camara could be possibility 

The Lakers could reportedly look to trade their bright star Dalton Knecht in a deal including Blazers' Toumani Camara in the summer.

Lakers trade rumors: Dalton Knecht for Toumani Camara could be possibility 

Toumani Camara and Dalton Knecht (Image by FirstSportz)

This summer, the Los Angeles Lakers are anticipated to look for affordable players, and Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara is a prime candidate for a trade. The 24-year-old wing is an ideal match to LeBron James and Luka Doncic since he has become a solid two-way asset. However, any deal for him won’t be easy.

Forming a structure around a Camara deal is a big task for the Lakers, as the Blazers won’t let go of their young star cheaply. In addition, per a Lakers insider, the initial deal that includes Lakers youngster Dalton Knecht, they are reportedly structuring to snatch Camara from the Blazers, won’t be enough. Jovan Buha also opened up on what the Blazers are looking for in exchange for Buha.

I have heard that the Blazers want something like two firsts for Camara, so maybe they view [ Dalton Knecht ] and a first as sufficient, but I think Portland probably says no, to be honest.

Jovan Buha said

After being chosen 52nd overall in the 2023 draft, 24-year-old winger Toumani Camara of the Portland Trail Blazers has quietly emerged as a standout player. While his attacking contributions point to a bright future on the court, his defensive awareness and ability to thwart opposing offenses have drawn attention.

Camara is renowned for his tenacious defense, changing passing lanes, and collecting rebounds with his length. He constantly exerts pressure, putting opponents in challenging circumstances. His three-point shooting has been dependable offensively, and many think that playing with a top distributor could improve his game even more.

Camara is more productive than his salary may indicate, averaging 11.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game right now. His earnings of $1.9 million this season, $2.2 million the following season, and $2.4 million with a team option in 2026–2027 make him an outstanding value for any team trying to add depth to their roster without breaking the bank.

NBA insider reveals an intriguing trade package for the Lakers to land a center in the summer

The Minnesota Timberwolves have two starting-caliber centers in 2024 Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid and four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. They destroyed the Lakers in the paint on their way to a swift five-game first-round playoff series victory, making the Lakers’ lack of a starting-caliber center pay off in the first round of the playoffs.

Now, the Lakers know that they need a starting center at all costs. Notably, NBA insider Yossi Gozlan revealed an intriguing trade package lately for the Lakers to land a center in the summer. According to Gozlan, the Lakers “could exchange [Dallas Mavericks center] Daniel Gafford ($14.4 million) for an expiring salary like Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) with Shake Milton‘s $3 million.”

A young talent like Dalton Knecht or draft equity could be the deciding factor in such a transaction. By the looks of it, the Lakers will use Knecht as a bargaining chip in any trade deal to sign a starting center this offseason.

Another NBA insider reveals a blockbuster trade deal including the Lakers and Celtics

During his season-ending news conference, Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka informed local reporters that he will try to sign a big man this summer. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggested that the Lakers trade Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2032 first-round pick swap.

Interestingly, Porzingis and Doncic were on the same team during their Dallas Mavericks days. This would add to their team chemistry along with some firepower in the roster.

Given that, Lakers HC, JJ Redick, might start Doncic, Austin Reaves, Dorian-Finney Smith, LeBron James, and Porzingis in the upcoming season if this trade concept materializes. In the last year of his contract, Porzingis will earn $30.7 million the next season.

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