EL SEGUNDO, California — The Los Angeles Lakers have waived Dalton Knecht ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season, ending the former first-round draft pick’s stint with the franchise just days before the team’s season opener.
The Lakers announced the decision on Monday, October 19, as they reduced their roster to the NBA’s maximum of 15 standard-contract players. The move also leaves Bronny James on the team’s opening-day roster, according to reports from the Associated Press and other US sports outlets.
Knecht, selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, entered the league with considerable promise after an outstanding college season at the University of Tennessee. However, his opportunities in Los Angeles gradually diminished, and the team ultimately decided to move in a different direction.
From promising rookie to final roster cut
Knecht initially showed why the Lakers selected him in the first round.
During his rookie season in 2024–25, the 6-foot-6 wing averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game across 78 appearances. One of his standout performances came in November 2024, when he scored 37 points and knocked down nine three-pointers against the Utah Jazz.
That performance fueled hopes that the young shooter could become an important part of the Lakers’ rotation.
However, his production declined during his second NBA season. In 54 games in 2025–26, Knecht averaged just 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in approximately 10.2 minutes per game, according to Reuters and ESPN reporting.
His preseason struggles added to the uncertainty surrounding his future. Knecht averaged 2.8 points per game in four preseason appearances, shooting 25% from the field, according to Reuters.
The numbers reflected a difficult period for a player who had once appeared poised to become a valuable scoring option off the bench.
Lakers explored trade options before making their decision
The roster cut came after Los Angeles reportedly explored trade possibilities involving Knecht.
According to ESPN and the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers considered deals that could have moved Knecht while helping the team strengthen its frontcourt. One reported target was Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims, as Los Angeles looked for additional depth at the center position.
However, the Lakers did not complete a deal before the roster deadline.
Instead of finding a trade partner, the franchise waived Knecht to comply with the league’s roster limit. The decision ended his time with the organization that drafted him less than two years earlier.
The move illustrates how quickly roster situations can change in the NBA, particularly when a team is reshaping its lineup and competing for limited playing opportunities.
What happened to Knecht’s momentum?
Lakers head coach JJ Redick previously addressed the reasons behind Knecht’s reduced role, pointing to changes in the team’s personnel and needs.
Redick explained that the roster had changed, affecting both the team’s needs and Knecht’s fit. The Lakers added several players during their offseason overhaul, increasing competition among their wings and forwards.
That changing roster landscape made it more difficult for Knecht to reclaim a consistent role.
His departure does not necessarily mean his NBA career is over. As a former first-round pick with demonstrated three-point shooting ability, he could still have opportunities elsewhere if another team decides to pursue him.
However, his next destination and future role remain uncertain.
Bronny James remains with the Lakers
While Knecht’s departure closes one chapter, Bronny James remains on the Lakers’ roster for the start of the new season.
The decision has attracted attention because both players were discussed as potential candidates for the final roster spot. Ultimately, Los Angeles chose to retain James while parting ways with Knecht.
James, drafted 55th overall in 2024, is entering his third season with the franchise. His role and development will remain under scrutiny as the Lakers begin another campaign with a reshaped roster.
The Lakers are scheduled to open their 2026–27 regular season at home against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, October 21.
For Knecht, the immediate question is where he might continue his professional career. For Los Angeles, the focus now shifts to whether its roster decisions will help the team build a stronger and more competitive lineup.
One thing is clear: the Lakers have made their final cut, but the consequences of that decision will unfold as the new NBA season begins.
