Lakers predicted to part ways with $18M rejected former first-rounder to clear roster spot

It has been a tough stretch for Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht over the last year and a half. He went from being a rookie sensation to barely seeing the court in his second season with Los Angeles.

Knecht began his NBA career on a hot streak with the Lakers, but everything changed in a matter of days. The forward was traded to the Charlotte Hornets during his rookie season, but the deal was ultimately rescinded.

“In the span of a week, Dalton Knecht went from playing for the Los Angeles Lakers to joining the Charlotte Hornets to going back to the Lakers after the trade that sent him to Charlotte was rescinded,” ESPN insider Dave McMenamin wrote.

The Lakers have once again placed Knecht on the trade block this summer as they look to shed salary and create roster flexibility.

“The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks. After gaining two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade, Los Angeles could consolidate those assets in a deal immediately for a starting-caliber wing,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

Los Angeles has yet to find a trade partner, but Knecht has continued to support his teammates during Summer League despite his name consistently surfacing in trade rumors. Lakers insider Jovan Buha believes the Lakers will eventually move on from one of several players to create a roster spot.

“Clearly, the Lakers need to dump someone, and I think it's going to be one of three players," Buha said. "It's going to either be Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James."

What began as a promising start to Knecht's career has turned into a frustrating stint in Los Angeles. A fresh start with a new organization could give him the opportunity to earn consistent minutes and make an impact again.

Knecht is currently on his $18 million rookie contract. The challenge for the Lakers is that his trade value appears to be limited at the moment. While finding a trade partner may not be easy, Knecht remains one of the most likely candidates to part ways with Los Angeles.

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