Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Kevin Knox II, DET 2021 2nd Round Pick (via NYK), NYK 2023 2nd Round Pick

New York Knicks Receive: G Jared Dudley, F Talen Horton-Tucker

So, the Los Angeles Lakers are once again title favorites so why would they want to shake things up roster wise right now? Well, Jared Dudley does not contribute anything to this team other than being a locker room personality and Talen Horton-Tucker has not really been given the opportunities he deserves with the Lakers. 

THT is averaging about 16.5 minutes per game this season and is making the most of it, averaging 6.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and shooting 44.7% from the floor. At full strength, Horton-Tucker is nothing more than an end-of-the-bench guy for the Lakers, which is why going to the Knicks could be beneficial for him and his career. 

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Kevin Knox has not made much of an impact with the Knicks this season, but much like Talen Horton-Tucker with the Lakers, his minutes have been very slim. Knox is more than capable of being a guy that can contribute now, which is why the Lakers could show some interest in the young forward. 

With not a lot of draft capital over the next few years and no real opportunities to get young talent, trading for Kevin Knox could be very useful for the Lakers, especially because LeBron James is continuing to get older. While he may very much play past 40, L.A. has to be planning for their future, which is where Knox fits into the equation. 

With all of that being said, let’s take a closer look as to why this trade makes sense for both the Lakers and the Knicks.