The 2024-25 NBA playoffs will begin in less than two weeks, and the Los Angeles Lakers already look like one of this spring's top contenders. Head coach JJ Redick has done a tremendous job of transforming the Lakers into a Western Conference powerhouse, putting them in a great spot this week to potentially clinch home-court advantage for the postseason's opening round.
Even though there's plenty of basketball left to be played, some Lakers fans are already looking ahead to the NBA offseason. It won't be much longer until the trade scene heats up and free agency begins, meaning certain Los Angeles players might be playing with the franchise on borrowed time.
With that in mind, here are seven Lakers who are experiencing their final playoff push in Los Angeles.
1. Dalton Knecht, SF/SG
The 2024-25 NBA season has been a mixed bag for Dalton Knecht. The former Tennessee Volunteer quickly became a fan favorite after being drafted 17th overall last year, leading to Lakers fans hoping that Redick's sharpshooting experience would rub off on the rookie wing.
Although things looked promising early on, the sunshine and rainbows quickly disappeared before the trade deadline. The Lakers had agreed to a deal that would've sent Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets, however, center Mark Williams' failed physical prevented the trade from happening. Needless to say, things were awkward between Knecht and the team for a bit.
As time has passed, it's become increasingly clear that the Lakers are no longer as high on Knecht as they once were. He's only averaging 7.9 minutes of action in his last eight outings after playing twice or even three times that amount earlier in the year, meaning he likely won't have a significant role come the playoffs.
After trying to trade him two months ago, it wouldn't be shocking if the Lakers tried to trade Knecht again this offseason. The failed trade may have left their relationship beyond repair, so it might be best to give both sides a fresh start this summer.