Lakers Release Former First-Round Pick Ahead of Opening Night
The former first-round pick averaged 2.8 points in four preseason games as Los Angeles searched for a trade partner before the roster deadline.
- On Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers waived 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht to meet the NBA's 15-player roster limit before Wednesday's season opener against the Golden State Warriors.
- Knecht's departure follows a turbulent tenure that included a failed February 2025 trade to the Charlotte Hornets, after which he never secured a consistent rotation spot.
- Lakers coach JJ Redick explained the team's growing collection of perimeter players left Knecht in a difficult position, as he averaged 2.8 points across four preseason games.
- With the waiver, the Lakers finalized their 15-man roster for Wednesday's season opener, retaining guards Jaden Hardy and Bronny James on the roster.
- Knecht will seek to continue his career elsewhere after clearing waivers, though the Lakers remain responsible for his $4.2 million contract for the 2026-27 season.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Bronny James Survives As Lakers Cut Ties With Former 1st-Round Pick After Multiple Failed Trade Attempts
Dalton Knecht scored 37 points against the Jazz as a rookie. Early that season, he looked like a steal at No. 17 and a possible long-term starter for the Lakers. Two years on, they have waived him. The cut came as the Lakers set their 15-man roster for the regular season. Bronny James, the Lakers’ […]
Lakers release former first-round pick ahead of opening night
The Los Angeles Lakers had a decision to make to finalize the roster, and it came on Monday. Dalton Knecht, who was the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2024, has been released, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Los Angeles Lakers are waiving 2024 No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/SaeDxdSBUo — Shams Charania …
LA Daily News
OC RegisterLakers waive former 1st-round pick Dalton Knecht to finalize roster
With the roster-cut deadline set for 2 p.m. on Monday, the Lakers opted to part ways with the sharpshooter and will be on the hook for his $4.2 million contract this season.
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