It is becoming increasingly clear that Dalton Knecht is the odd man out and could be waived by the Los Angeles Lakers if he is still on the roster when the team trims it to 15 players.
LA begins its season on Wednesday, giving the team five more days to make a decision. The Lakers could also pursue a consolidation trade involving Knecht.
“My understanding is a consolidation trade. Obviously, it would be two-for-one, three-for-one, or three-for-two is a little more complicated," Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. "So I think the most straightforward one would be two-for-one…And depending on the configuration of the trade, it could be a version of two of the back-end guys, let's say Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy, for a backup center."
According to a report from a couple of days ago, the Lakers have been exploring trades, although no specific players were mentioned.
“Have heard the Bucks, Lakers and Grizzlies all exploring trades. Hornets have to weigh the locker room value of retaining Pat Connaughton," NBA insider Jake Fischer posted.
On Thursday, NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that Knecht is indeed one of the players the Lakers are still looking to trade.
“As the 2026-27 season draws near and teams contemplate roster spots, the Knicks and Lakers have both actively been exploring trade talks to move Pacome Dadiet and Dalton Knecht, respectively, sources told ,” Siegel wrote.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Knecht's time in LA could come to an end one way or another before the season begins. The former first-round pick was once considered a steal for the Lakers after falling in the draft, but he hasn't made a significant impact over the past year.
The Lakers appear to have run out of room for him on the roster and would prefer to trade him rather than waive him. His contract could also be a factor if they cannot find a trade partner.
