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8 clusters · 39 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

Lakers roster reduction and Dalton Knecht move

Overview

The Los Angeles Lakers officially waived forward Dalton Knecht to comply with the NBA’s 15-man standard roster limit ahead of the 2026-27 regular season. This decision followed weeks of unsuccessful trade explorations involving the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Utah Jazz.

Specifically, the Lakers engaged in discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks to trade Knecht and second-round draft capital for center Jericho Sims. The deal reportedly collapsed because Milwaukee requested two future second-round picks, while Los Angeles was only willing to part with one. This followed a previously rescinded trade to the Charlotte Hornets in February 2025 involving center Mark Williams, which was halted after a failed medical examination.

Prior to his release, Knecht faced significant roster uncertainty alongside Jarred Vanderbilt. During this period, Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green criticized Knecht’s representation, stating, “I blame his agent because, as soon as that trade failed, he should have activated his contacts to get him out of Los Angeles.” Additionally, former NBA champion Metta Sandiford-Artest criticized the Lakers for failing to develop Knecht, suggesting the player possesses “All-Star potential.”

Knecht, a former 17th overall pick and SEC Player of the Year out of Tennessee, saw a decline in production during his second season, averaging 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in approximately 10 minutes per game. Following his release, Knecht has agreed to a two-way contract with the New York Knicks. This arrangement allows him to play up to 50 regular-season games for the Knicks while spending the remainder of the season with their G League affiliate. To accommodate Knecht, the Knicks are expected to waive Kevin McCullar Jr. The Lakers' decision to waive Knecht also resulted in the team absorbing his salary as dead money and secured a roster spot for guard Bronny James.

Entities

Dalton Knecht · Los Angeles Lakers · NBA · JJ Redick · Bronny James

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Los Angeles Lakers cut Dalton Knecht after failed trade talks

    The Los Angeles Lakers have waived Dalton Knecht after trade negotiations with the Milwaukee Bucks for Jericho Sims failed over a disagreement regarding draft pick compensation.

  2. [SPORTS] 10 sources
    Dalton Knecht signs two-way contract with New York Knicks

    Former first-round pick Dalton Knecht has signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks after being waived by the Los Angeles Lakers.

  3. [SPORTS] 13 sources
    Los Angeles Lakers waive Dalton Knecht to meet roster limit

    The Los Angeles Lakers have waived 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht to comply with the NBA's 15-player roster limit after unsuccessful attempts to trade for frontcourt depth.

  4. [SPORTS] 17 sources
    Los Angeles Lakers waive Dalton Knecht to meet roster limit

    The Los Angeles Lakers have waived former first-round pick Dalton Knecht to meet the NBA's 15-man roster limit after failing to find a trade partner.

  5. [SPORTS] 12 sources
    Los Angeles Lakers explore trade of Dalton Knecht for Jericho Sims

    The Los Angeles Lakers are in exploratory trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks to swap Dalton Knecht for center Jericho Sims to meet roster limits before the NBA season begins.

  6. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Dalton Knecht faces uncertain future with Los Angeles Lakers

    Dalton Knecht faces potential trade or roster cuts from the Los Angeles Lakers by October 19 as the team must reduce its roster to 15 players. Draymond Green has criticized Knecht's representation regarding the

  7. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Los Angeles Lakers players Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt face roster uncertainty

    Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt face potential departure from the Los Angeles Lakers as the team seeks to finalize its roster and reduce player contracts before the season begins.

  8. [SPORTS] 10 sources
    Los Angeles Lakers face roster cuts as Dalton Knecht's future remains uncertain

    The Los Angeles Lakers must trim their roster from 16 to 15 players, with former first-round pick Dalton Knecht identified by executives as a likely candidate to be waived or traded.

Sources

basketusa.com · bleacherreport.com · bola.liputan6.com · brewhoop.com · deadspin.com · deportesdo.com · eldia.com.do · fanSided.com · heavy.com · hoopsrumors.com · hoopswire.com · lakersdaily.com · lakersnation.com · laopinion.com · lasportsreport.com · latimes.com · meridiansport.me · mymotherlode.com · nbapassion.com · noticiasdemalaga.es · nypost.com · parlons-basket.com · powcast.net · probasket.pl · rockytopinsider.com · rockytoptalk.com · saturdaydownsouth.com · si.com · silverscreenandroll.com · siol.net · sixactualites.fr · sport.hrt.hr · sportal.rs · sportowefakty.wp.pl · sportskeeda.com · sportsnaut.com · sportsoftheday.com · sputnikportal.rs · tob.news

This summary has been updated 14 times: see revision history