3 players LA Lakers must retain at any cost

The LA Lakers have one of the most dynamic front offices in the NBA. In recent years, the Lakers have actively engaged in transactions not only in the offseason but right around the trade deadline as well.

Although there are multiple options for LA to consider moving, there are a few players on the roster that it needs to keep alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Here are three players the Lakers need to retain, based on their performance this season.

The LA Lakers have a gem in Dalton Knecht

NBA: Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn

If there's any player that represents a bright future for the Lakers, it's Dalton Knecht. The 17th overall pick of the 2024 NBA draft is averaging 10.3 points, on 37.0% 3-point shooting, along with 3.6 rebounds per game. His nice touch from beyond the arc opens up more opportunities for James and Davis to dominate inside the paint.

The Lakers know that they can rely on Austin Reaves

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings - Source: Imagn

Since arriving in LA three years ago, Austin Reaves has showcased his high basketball IQ. His shot selection and secondary playmaking have been, more often than not, effective. He is also reportedly one of LeBron James' favorite teammates. This season, Reaves is averaging 17.3 ppg, on 43.7% shooting, with 3.7 rg and 5.0 apg.

Rui Hachimura can continue to shore up the Lakers' frontcourt

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn

Outside of James and Davis, the Lakers are not a good rebounding team. They can address it by keeping Rui Hachimura, who they traded for in January 2023. This season, he is averaging 12.1 ppg and 5.5 rpg. Laker fans are hoping that his stellar play at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a preview of better things to come in the foreseeable future.