Paul Pierce explains why the Lakers should trade Dalton Knecht: "You can throw him in a package and get that third star"

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht has been making waves in the Summer League. The 17th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft is averaging 21.3 PPG on 39% three-point shooting and has been impressing many coaches who have been tuned in to the NBA's summer tournament.

But while Lakers fans are excited to have the Tennessee standout on board, Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Paul Pierce likes Knecht's success from a different angle.

"I think Dalton Knecht has improved his stock right here in the Summer League. So now, you can throw him in a package with Reaves or D-Lo to where you can finally get that third star," said Pierce.

The Lakers can use him in a trade package

The Purple and Gold have failed in free agency as they watched one top free agent after another go to different teams. With Russell Westbrook heading to Denver, no more notable name stands out in the market as a possible target for the Lakers.

Meanwhile, Knecht has proved that, in the long term, he can be a key piece in a winning team. However, with the Lakers in a win-now mode with LeBron, they can instead bundle him in a trade package with one or more of their young stars and get the established third star that would align with LeBron and AD's timelines.

"I don't know who that star is, but I'm happy to see that Knecht is playing this way because if he hadn't, that's not even a possibility. So if the Lakers want to contend, they have some valuable pieces that they can put together now in a trade package, which makes more sense to me," added Paul.

Redick's focus on player development

Pierce's suggestion makes sense, but one of the key takeaways from the new head coach, JJ Redick, during his introductory press conference was his emphasis on player development. He even talked about Bronny James being part of that development movement.

"We're placing a heavy emphasis on our player development as we build this program, . "He's obviously case study No. 1. He's going to be a big part of what we do in our player development program. We're going to invest heavily in him. He's got to fall in love with that process and let go of outcomes."

It's obvious that the Lakers want to win now because of LeBron's battle with Father Time. But Redick doesn't sound like the guy who's willing to give up the entire farm to get that third star who won't guarantee a Larry O'Brien anyway.

Related: Rich Paul reacts to Jaylen doubting Bronny: "I know he doesn't mean that with any malice, he's just having a conversation"