Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht is facing an uncertain future with the team as the 2026-27 NBA season approaches. Despite being the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and showing early promise, Knecht's position on the roster is now in jeopardy.
During his rookie season, Knecht had a strong start, averaging 12.2 points per game and shooting 43.9% from three-point range over his first 19 games. However, his performance declined as the season progressed, and he struggled to maintain consistent playing time. The situation was further complicated when the Lakers attempted to trade him to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mark Williams. The trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical, leaving Knecht in an awkward position upon his return to Los Angeles.
In the 2025-26 season, Knecht's role diminished significantly. He appeared in 54 games but logged only 553 minutes, a stark contrast to the 1,494 minutes he played as a rookie. The Lakers' offseason roster changes have intensified competition for roster spots, making Knecht's future with the team uncertain.
Head coach JJ Redick has acknowledged Knecht's professionalism and work ethic during training camp, stating, "First of all, he's been a pro. He's been in the gym. Like he has since Day 1, he has worked his butt off all offseason. And he's had a good three days of practice." Despite this praise, multiple reports suggest that Knecht could be the odd man out as the Lakers finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
The Lakers currently have 16 players on standard contracts but can only carry 15 into the regular season. With the deadline to finalize the roster approaching, Knecht's performance in the remaining days of training camp will be crucial in determining his future with the team.