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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers observes during a preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: By downloading or using this photograph, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers attempted to trade Dalton Knecht along with a second-round pick to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for backup center Jericho Sims, but the negotiation did not succeed. While that offer fell short, amidst ongoing speculation about his future and the Lakers’ persistent interest in Sims as a prime trade prospect, young guard Bronny James might just be the key to make a deal happen.
Despite a strong start to the season for the Lakers, the team still requires a backup center. This necessity has been evident in recent weeks, as Kevon Looney has not provided the solution for the minutes when starting big man Walker Kessler is off the court.
Recent reports indicate that Los Angeles is still pursuing Sims, and although Knecht’s inclusion didn’t secure a deal, there is potential for James, who currently is at the end of the Lakers’ roster, to be the catalyst for the Purple and Gold to acquire their long-desired center target who was previously unattainable.
Lakers Bronny James Trade Could Secure Backup Center Following Unsuccessful Dalton Knecht Trade
As noted by NBA insider Jake Fischer, the package of Knecht and a second-round pick was insufficient to acquire Sims from the Bucks. The Lakers declined a deal involving two picks before ultimately waiving Knecht ahead of the season.
However, as CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn observed, there’s a considerable chance that James holds more value than Knecht, even though he has only logged 12 minutes this season and scored a mere four points.
“If I were the Lakers, I’d be attempting to trade Bronny right now to an owner who wishes to sell merchandise. I’d prefer to retain Knecht on the roster for potential trade salary than to cut him and manage dead money. The Lakers don’t particularly need the James brand like other franchises do,” he remarked on X shortly after the team severed ties with Knecht.
In light of this, a potential Lakers trade proposal for Sims could resemble the following:
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Jericho Sims
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Bronny James and a 2031 second-round pick
Two scenarios could allow the Lakers to acquire Sims through a James-centered trade package. One possibility is the previous concept, where the Bucks view LeBron James’s son as possessing greater value than Knecht, as pointed out by Quinn.
The alternative scenario is Los Angeles including an additional second-round pick along with James for the new backup center. The team would likely only consider this if head coach JJ Redick, general manager Rob Pelinka, and other decision-makers feel a heightened urgency to make a move. There are other trade prospects available, but none that the Lakers were as close to acquiring, especially if they can exchange James, who isn’t utilized, for Sims, a player who can contribute regularly.
Ultimately, it hinges on the Lakers’ urgency for a backup center. While moving James might be straightforward, relinquishing minor, yet significant draft assets could prove more challenging. Nonetheless, as Quinn noted, if Knecht didn’t entice a team like Milwaukee, perhaps James could.
Jericho Sims Remains Primary Trade Target For Los Angeles
While Sims may not be a widely recognized name among NBA fans, he has posted averages of only 0.3 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.2 assists in 7.7 minutes per game this season.
That said, the 6’10” center from the Bucks is very athletic, possesses significant defensive potential, and is currently earning merely $2.8 million this season. As previously mentioned, Sims embodies the type of player that fits well around Luka Doncic (see Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, Jaxson Hayes, and now Kessler), which is why he has been identified as a key trade target for the Lakers over recent months.
Most recently, Fischer provided an update on the Lakers’ interest in Sims.
“Jericho Sims is clearly a player that the Lakers appreciate. That type of archetype, a bouncy rim runner who Luka [Doncic] has evidently had great success with in the past, on a minimum salary deal, is a clear, obvious, highlight option for them,” Fischer mentioned. “I believe those are the types of players the Lakers will focus on.”
In addition to this, The Athletic‘s Dan Woike listed Sims as a Lakers’ trade target over the summer, as it was evident the team needed another backup big man even then.
“Sims embodies the run-and-jump profile that you’d love to have around Dončić due to his size and impressive athleticism. He’s presently positioned as the No. 3 center for the Bucks, behind Myles Turner and Kel’el Ware,” he noted. “Scouts raise defensive concerns about his performance away from the basket, and consistency has been an issue for Sims. However, as a dunker and rebounder, he is a player the Lakers could look to acquire using second-round draft picks.”
The connections between Sims and the Lakers have persisted following the previously failed trade over the past few weeks. He fits the profile the team has been seeking, and while acquiring him may not dramatically alter the title race or the team’s overall capability, Sims would address the most pressing gap in Los Angeles’ roster and provide Redick with added confidence during Kessler’s bench time.
As Fischer indicated, the Lakers were on the verge of finalizing a Sims trade before the season but backed out due to reluctance to part with two second-round picks and Knecht for the 28-year-old. However, if Los Angeles is now feeling more pressed, or merely interested in re-exploring negotiations, James could be part of a trade to finally secure the backup center the Lakers have been pursuing for several months.
While he may not be the most high-profile name available, he is likely the most affordable and easiest to obtain. Therefore, if or when the Lakers choose to revisit trade discussions with the Bucks, it would be wise to consider including James’ name in the equation and see what unfolds.
Eli Gregorski is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy Sports. He has extensive experience in sports writing that includes covering the NBA, NFL, college football and basketball, international soccer, and Formula One. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he served as the assistant sports editor for the award-winning CU Independent student publication. More about Eli Gregorski
