Lakers Draft Pick Tipped to Draw Trade Interest Despite Struggles The Los Angeles Lakers have faced persistent challenges in maintaining a stable rotation this season, with recurring injuries forcing frequent adjustments to lineups and player roles. Amid this instability, second-year guard Dalton Knecht has struggled to secure a consistent role, with his minutes and impact diminishing despite remaining healthy. Selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht entered the league with high expectations that his perimeter shooting would translate quickly to the NBA level. However, his early struggles, compounded by a rescinded trade to the Charlotte Hornets last season, have left him without a clear path to establish himself. Through 48 games this season, Knecht has averaged 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.6 minutes per contest, shooting 44.8% from the field and 30.7% from beyond the arc. While he initially saw sporadic opportunities, his role has sharply declined in recent weeks. In February, he played just 36 total minutes across seven appearances, and by March, he had logged only 10 minutes in three games despite being fully healthy. His diminished presence in the rotation has raised questions about his long-term future with the Lakers. Behind The Buck Pass’ William Moxon has suggested that an offseason trade could still materialize, with the Milwaukee Bucks identified as a potential destination. Moxon noted that Knecht’s G League assignments might lower his perceived value, making him a low-cost option for teams looking to invest in development. “While nothing is set in stone, [his G League assignments] could open the door for the Milwaukee Bucks to trade for him on the cheap and turn him into their next reclamation project, similar to Ousmane Dieng,” Moxon wrote.#milwaukee_bucks #los_angeles_lakers #south_bay_lakers #dalton_knecht #william_moxon
Lakers Seek New Jersey Patch Sponsor After Ending Bibigo Deal The Los Angeles Lakers have initiated a bidding process for a new jersey patch sponsor, set to begin with the 2026–27 NBA season. This marks the conclusion of their five-year partnership with Bibigo, which started in 2021 and was valued at more than $100 million. The franchise released a press statement inviting bids for what it described as a “category-defining sponsorship,” as noted in a post by The Sporting Tribune’s Arash Markazi. Lakers vice president of corporate partnerships Jim Snodgrass highlighted the global significance of the team’s brand, stating, “The Lakers are one of the most recognizable brands in the world, synonymous with greatness, championships, style, and legacy. The elite identity of the Purple and Gold blends legendary history with dynamic newness, creating moments and experiences that are remembered forever.” The statement emphasized the franchise’s reach, including broadcast presence in over 230 markets, hundreds of millions of global fans, and approximately 89 million social media followers. The Lakers have had only two jersey patch sponsors since the program began. Their first deal, with Wish from 2017 to 2021, was worth around $12–14 million annually. However, the Bibigo partnership extended beyond the NBA, encompassing branding for the South Bay Lakers (G League) and the franchise’s esports division, a scope not included in the Wish agreement. The upcoming bidding process is expected to involve the South Bay Lakers and other Los Angeles affiliates. The end of the Bibigo deal also signifies a milestone in the NBA’s international expansion. Bibigo became the first South Korean company to secure an NBA jersey patch, aiming to strengthen the Lakers’ presence in Asian markets.#south_korea #nba #los_angeles_lakers #south_bay_lakers #bibigo
Bronny James Recalled by Lakers from G League The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled Bronny James from the G League's South Bay Lakers, according to a report by Ryan Ward of SI.com. The move comes as James prepares to return to the parent club ahead of its scheduled game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. James, a second-year guard, joined the South Bay Lakers for Tuesday’s practice session but will now rejoin the main roster for the upcoming matchup. James has appeared in two games since the All-Star break, accumulating a total of 11 minutes of playing time. His return to the Lakers does not guarantee he will see action in the game against Minnesota, as the team may opt to prioritize other players for the matchup. The decision to recall him reflects the Lakers’ ongoing evaluation of his readiness for the NBA level, particularly given his limited minutes in recent appearances. The recall highlights the Lakers’ efforts to integrate James into the team’s roster while balancing the need for immediate contributions. With the team’s schedule approaching key matchups, the coaching staff may use this opportunity to assess James’ performance in a more competitive setting. However, his limited playing time so far suggests that he remains a longshot to make an impact in this particular game. The move also underscores the challenges faced by young players transitioning from the G League to the NBA. While James has shown potential in limited opportunities, his ability to secure a regular role will depend on his performance in subsequent games and the team’s strategic needs. The Lakers’ decision to bring him back indicates a cautious approach, aiming to provide him with valuable experience without overexposing him to high-pressure situations.#los_angeles_lakers #minnesota_timberwolves #bronny_james #south_bay_lakers #ryan_ward
Bronny James Dealt Bad News on Tuesday Bronny James faced another setback in his second NBA season as the Los Angeles Lakers reassigned him to the G-League ahead of their home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The young guard, who entered the 2025-26 season with hopes of making a significant leap after a challenging rookie year, has struggled to secure consistent minutes in the NBA. Despite being recalled to the main roster earlier in the week following a win over the New York Knicks, James was sent back to the South Bay Lakers for further development. Selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft after one season at USC, James spent much of his rookie year splitting time between the Lakers and their G-League affiliate. During the 2024-25 season, he appeared in 27 NBA games, averaging 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 6.7 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency was limited, with a 31.3% field goal clip and 28.1% three-point accuracy. The Lakers’ focus on long-term development meant James often played second fiddle to more experienced players. Entering his second season, there was optimism that James would see a clearer path to the NBA. However, the pattern has repeated itself, with the 22-year-old averaging 2.1 points, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 rebounds in 31 games this season. His time in the G-League has provided more opportunities, where he has averaged 15.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 10 games. These numbers highlight his potential when given extended minutes, showcasing improved offensive rhythm and playmaking ability. The Lakers’ decision to send James back to the G-League underscores the challenges he faces in earning a consistent role in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation.#los_angeles_lakers #jj_redick #minnesota_timberwolves #bronny_james #south_bay_lakers
