The NBA trade market is once again heating up, and one intriguing possibility has emerged between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz. In this mock trade scenario, the Lakers send Dalton Knecht and a conditional pick swap to the Jazz in exchange for promising big man Kyle Filipowski. Both teams have unique motivations for this deal, and the fit seems natural for the current roster constructions.

Trade Details

Lakers Receive: Kyle Filipowski
Jazz Receive: Dalton Knecht, Conditional 2026 Pick Swap (if the Lakers’ pick is higher; if not, the swap moves to 2028, and 2029 if necessary)

This mock trade reflects mutual interest in assets that align with team needs. For the Lakers, it’s about adding frontcourt depth with two-way potential. For the Jazz, it’s about boosting their shooting depth and perimeter scoring options.

Why the Lakers Would Make This Trade

The Lakers’ situation with Dalton Knecht has been turbulent. Drafted as a potential scoring spark plug, Knecht initially showed flashes of offensive brilliance in his rookie season. He recorded multiple games with 15+ points on over 50% shooting, earning valuable minutes and a spot in the rotation. However, as the season progressed and the Lakers regained health, his role diminished significantly.

In the 2025 Summer League, Knecht struggled mightily, shooting under 30% from the field. Meanwhile, rookie guard Bronny James impressed with 13.0 PPG on nearly 45% shooting, raising questions about Knecht’s long-term role in the team’s backcourt and wing rotation.

The Lakers previously attempted to deal Knecht in February for Mark Williams in a package involving Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap. That trade collapsed after Knecht failed his physical, but the front office has remained open to moving him for the right return.

By acquiring Kyle Filipowski, the Lakers would be securing a two-way big man who can stretch the floor, provide rim protection, and serve as a cost-controlled rotation player for years. His presence would also help manage the workloads of Rui Hachimura and DeAndre Ayton, giving head coach Darvin Ham more flexibility in lineups.

Why the Jazz Would Make This Trade

The Jazz have quietly built a roster loaded with big men: Jusuf Nurkic, Lauri Markkanen, Kyle Anderson, Georges Niang, Taylor Hendricks, and Walker Kessler. With such depth in the frontcourt, they can afford to part with Kyle Filipowski to address weaknesses elsewhere — specifically perimeter shooting.

Despite Knecht’s inconsistency, the Jazz see him as a low-risk, high-upside option. His size and shooting stroke make him an ideal candidate to come off the bench and provide scoring bursts. Utah’s current backcourt depth features Ace Bailey and Keyonte George as their only true shooting threats, making Knecht a valuable addition.

For a team that wants to run an up-tempo offense and keep pace with high-scoring Western Conference rivals, adding a confident shooter like Knecht could make a real difference. The conditional pick swap provides extra incentive, giving the Jazz long-term flexibility if Knecht blossoms into a reliable rotation piece.

The Potential Fit for the Lakers

Adding Kyle Filipowski fits directly into the Lakers’ push for versatile size. The 7-footer’s ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions gives them an option they currently lack. While Anthony Davis remains the centerpiece in the frontcourt, Filipowski could see significant minutes in bench lineups, spot-start situations, and as part of small-ball stretches with Davis at center.

Filipowski’s youth also aligns with the Lakers’ desire to balance win-now talent with long-term development. With Marcus Smart providing defensive toughness and Luka Doncic carrying much of the scoring load, Filipowski would not be pressured to produce immediately, allowing for a smoother transition into the NBA pace.

The Potential Fit for the Jazz

The Jazz are looking for players who can contribute immediately while still being part of their future core. Dalton Knecht fits that description. His college career proved he can score from deep, operate off-ball, and create his own shot when necessary. If placed in a system with a defined role — something Utah can offer — Knecht could find his rhythm and improve his shooting percentages.

A bench unit featuring Knecht, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler could provide a nice blend of shooting, speed, and size. Knecht’s presence also allows the Jazz to experiment with three-guard lineups or spread offenses, which would play into their strengths against slower teams.

Risks and Considerations

While the trade looks good on paper, both teams face certain risks. For the Lakers, the gamble lies in Filipowski’s ability to adapt to NBA physicality. If he struggles defensively or with rebounding, he might not be the upgrade they envision over keeping Knecht.

For the Jazz, betting on Knecht’s shooting consistency is a risk. If his slump continues, Utah would have essentially traded a promising big for a streaky shooter and a conditional pick swap that might never convey.

Historical Context of Similar Trades

The NBA has a long history of teams exchanging young players with potential for others who might be a better fit. Trades like the Norman Powell–Gary Trent Jr. swap or the Domantas Sabonis–Myles Turner rumors show how sometimes it’s about reshuffling talent to fit roster needs rather than acquiring pure star power.

In this case, the Lakers would be prioritizing frontcourt depth and floor spacing, while the Jazz would be focusing on adding a much-needed scoring punch from the perimeter. It’s a basketball philosophy trade more than a blockbuster headline.

Final Trade Summary

Lakers get: Kyle Filipowski — a young, versatile big man with floor-stretching capabilities and defensive upside.

Jazz get: Dalton Knecht — a confident shooter who, if given a consistent role, could become a valuable scoring threat off the bench, plus a conditional pick swap for added flexibility.

This mock trade may not be the type that shakes the entire NBA landscape, but it’s the kind of transaction that could quietly benefit both franchises in the long run. The Lakers would add size and skill to their frontcourt rotation, while the Jazz would secure shooting depth and an offensive spark plug for their bench. In the chess game that is NBA roster building, sometimes the smaller moves have the biggest long-term impact.