Lakers predicted to part ways with $18M former first-round blunder after disappointing tenure | Sporting News
The Sporting News · Hunter Cookston · 2026-08-23T15:56:27+00:00 · nguồn gốc
The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite the summer after saying goodbye to LeBron James for the first time in almost a decade. LA will have three new starters when the team takes the court during the regular season.
However, the Lakers have also put themselves in a bit of a roster crunch, as they currently have one more player than the regular-season limit allows. By the end of training camp, Los Angeles will have to make a decision on who to let go.
“There are, however, obvious holes. With 16 roster spots, the Lakers would need to get rid of at least one player, though they can carry as many as 20 through training camp in October," Heavy.com's Sean Deveney wrote.
There are about three or four players who could be on the chopping block. Former first-round pick Dalton Knecht is one of the names who could ultimately be let go.
“Clearly, the Lakers need to dump someone, and I think it's going to be one of three players," Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. "It's going to either be Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James."
Knecht had a breakout first half of his rookie season, but a rescinded trade later in the year took away much of his momentum. Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts believes that, one way or another, Knecht will eventually be let go by the Lakers.
“If the Lakers decline his option, there is no reason to keep him beyond the trade deadline. They will either trade him or just buy him out. Knecht would be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, and Los Angeles would be limited in what they could pay to bring him back,” Watts wrote.
It is unfortunate how Knecht’s career has played out so far, especially considering the potential he showed when he entered the league. The Lakers are loaded with wing players, making it difficult for Knecht to find a consistent role in the rotation.
Knecht is on an $18 million rookie contract. Hopefully, if the Lakers do part ways with him, another team willing to give him an opportunity picks him up. All Knecht needs is a chance to prove he still has what it takes.
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