Trade idea sends Nesmith to Lakers for Vanderbilt, Knecht, pick swap

A proposed deal would send Aaron Nesmith to Los Angeles in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and the Lakers' 2032 first-round pick swap. The pitch frames Nesmith as a two-way wing who could start and defend around Luka Doncic after his run to the 2025 Finals with Indiana.

Nesmith is on a $40.4 million extension that jumps to roughly $19 million next season, and the idea bets Indiana would rather bank a distant pick swap and cheaper depth than keep him at that price.

Nesmith IND → LAL | Vanderbilt LAL → IND | Knecht LAL → IND

+ 3 reports

Heavy · 25 Sept 2026Pelinka's consolidation talk fuels PJ Washington trade idea for LA

Heavy · 22 Sept 2026Trade idea sends Knecht, Vanderbilt to Dallas for PJ Washington

Heavy · 12 Sept 2026Trade idea sends Nesmith to Lakers for Vanderbilt, Knecht, pick swap

Aaron Nesmith Dalton Knecht Jarred Vanderbilt

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