Lakers Cut Former First-Round Pick Days Before Season Opener
Lakers Cut Former First-Round Pick Days Before Season Opener
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially parted ways with one of their former first-round draft picks just days before the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. Los Angeles waived forward Dalton Knecht on Monday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, ending his time with the organization just two years after selecting him with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The decision comes as the Lakers finalize their roster ahead of Wednesday's season opener against the Golden State Warriors. Los Angeles entered Monday with 16 players on standard contracts, one above the NBA's regular-season limit of 15. The organization reportedly explored several trade possibilities involving Knecht but was unable to reach an agreement before the league's roster deadline.
Instead, the Lakers elected to waive the 25-year-old, bringing their roster into compliance. Knecht's departure marks a disappointing end to what initially appeared to be a promising future in Los Angeles. The former Tennessee standout was drafted to provide the consistent outside shooting the Lakers desperately needed.
He made an immediate impact during his rookie season, averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds across 78 games while showing flashes of his offensive potential. One of those flashes came in November 2024, when Knecht erupted for 37 points against the Utah Jazz, knocking down nine three-pointers in one of the most impressive performances of his rookie campaign. However, that early success never developed into a consistent role.
As the Lakers reshaped their roster, Knecht struggled to maintain his production and eventually found himself outside the team's regular rotation. Knecht averaged just 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes per game last season, struggling to establish a consistent place in head coach JJ Redick's rotation. His difficulties continued during the preseason, when he averaged 2.8 points while shooting 25% from the field across four appearances.
Knecht's future with the organization had been up in the air since February 2025, when Los Angeles agreed to trade him to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal involving center Mark Williams. That transaction was eventually rescinded after Williams failed his physical examination, sending Knecht back to the Lakers. Despite remaining with the organization, Knecht never regained the momentum or confidence he flashed early in his rookie season.
Redick recently acknowledged that changes to the Lakers' roster and playing style contributed to Knecht's reduced opportunities. With Los Angeles now building around Luka Doncic, the organization has prioritized players who better complement its offensive system and defensive needs. The decision allows the Lakers to enter the regular season with a finalized roster while giving Knecht an opportunity to pursue a fresh start elsewhere.
Once viewed as a potential long-term contributor in Los Angeles, Knecht will now look to revive his career with another NBA organization.