Los Angeles Lakers weigh waiving Dalton Knecht amid roster crunch

Dalton Knecht is facing uncertainty regarding his future with the Los Angeles Lakers as the team manages a roster crunch ahead of the regular season. Following a strong rookie period where he averaged 18.9 points and 4.9 rebounds during a nine-game stretch in November 2024, Knecht has seen a decline in production and playing time.

Reports suggest Knecht is a candidate to be waived if the Lakers cannot secure a trade. He is currently competing for final roster spots against players such as Bronny James and Jaden Hardy. The team's roster reconstruction, which includes significant changes around players like Austin Reaves, has created intense competition for rotation minutes.

While Lakers coach JJ Redick has commended Knecht’s training camp approach, the player's role has diminished since a rescinded trade involving him. Some reports indicate the Lakers may look to move Knecht in a trade for a veteran big man, such as Chicago Bulls' Zach Collins, to bolster their center rotation.