NBA Trade Rumors: 3 LA Lakers Who Won't Return in 2025-26

After a rollercoaster season that saw the Los Angeles Lakers pull off the trade of the century (or, perhaps more accurately, having it fall in their laps), but then crash out in the first round of the playoffs in just five games, they will need to make changes this offseason.

If GM Rob Pelinka is able to make any significant moves remains to be seen. But some current players will almost certainly not return for the 2025-26 iteration of the Purple & Gold. Let's have a look at three Lakers who won't be back next season.

Dalton Knecht

There were high hopes for the rookie after his first-round selection in last year's NBA Draft, but despite a strong first half of the season, he was traded—temporarily—at the deadline, in exchange for center Mark Williams from Charlotte. We all know how that turned out, as the deal was called off by the Lakers due to medical concerns about Williams. Knecht was returned to LA, but except for a two-week burst in March, he wasn't really the same.

Knecht was a complete afterthought in the playoffs, getting into just four minutes total across the five-game series loss. It's probably time to give him a fresh opportunity elsewhere.

Maxi Kleber

Acquired in the Luka Doncic deal, Kleber was injured and wasn't able to join the Lakers on the floor until the postseason. But he was only used in one game, for five minutes. In his 34 games with Dallas before the trade, his production and impact were at an all-time low.

Kleber, 33, has one year left on his contract at $11M, and the once-solid big man would be better used as an expiring contract in a trade to bring in a bigger piece for the Lakers this summer.

Jaxson Hayes

The 7-footer was given a big chance to prove his worth as a center after the trading of Anthony Davis. But after a string of 25+ minute opportunities in March, his minutes (and trust from the coaching staff) declined as the season wound down, and he was a non-factor in the playoffs, averaging just 7.5 minutes per game, and not a single second in Game 5.

The Lakers desperately need to bring in an impactful big man this summer, and Hayes, who is a free agent, will likely not be invited back.