The Los Angeles Lakers have officially waived forward Dalton Knecht on Monday, finalizing their 15-player regular-season roster just two days before the 2026-27 NBA season tips off. The move resolves a critical roster congestion issue, allowing the franchise to retain both Bronny James and Jaden Hardy. With the league’s deadline for roster finalization looming, the Lakers chose to part ways with Knecht, who was widely viewed as the most expendable asset among the three young players competing for the final spot.
Roster crunch forces cut, clearing path for Bronny James and Jaden Hardy
Knecht’s tenure with the Lakers has been marked by a sharp decline in production and a complicated trade saga. Selected with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of Tennessee, the former Vols star started strong as a rookie, averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in 19 minutes per game. However, his impact evaporated in the 2025-26 season, where he managed just 4.2 points in 10 minutes per game. A planned trade to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams collapsed after Williams failed his physical, leaving Knecht stranded in Los Angeles and ultimately out of the rotation.
This waiver signals a clear hierarchy in the Lakers’ backcourt and wing depth chart. By securing spots for James and Hardy, the organization prioritizes long-term prospect development and immediate defensive versatility over Knecht’s diminished offensive output. For Knecht, the waiver opens the door to a buyout or a free-agent signing elsewhere, offering a fresh start away from a system that no longer values his current skill set. The Lakers now enter the season with a finalized slate, ready to open their campaign without roster uncertainty.
Source: Yahoo Sports
