# Lakers roster reduction and Dalton Knecht move > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/los-angeles-lakers-roster-reduction-process > Updated: 2026-10-24T21:24:20.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 8. 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 This followed a previously rescinded trade to the Charlotte Hornets in February 2025 involving center Mark Williams, which was halted after a failed medical examination.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. ## Claims - The Los Angeles Lakers waived Dalton Knecht. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The waiver brings the Lakers' roster to the 15-man standard contract limit. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Dalton Knecht was selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. (corroborated by 4 sources) - A February 2025 trade involving Knecht and Mark Williams was rescinded. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Knecht averaged 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game during his second season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Bronny James remains on the Lakers roster following the move. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Lakers explored trades for Knecht with the Bucks, Bulls, and Jazz. (single source) - The waiver voids Knecht’s $6.45 million rookie scale team option for 2027/28. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-lakers-cut-dalton-knecht-after-failed-trade-talks ### 2026-10-22: 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. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-dalton-knecht-enters-free-agency-after-lakers-waive-player ### 2026-10-19: 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. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-lakers-waive-dalton-knecht-to-meet-roster-limit-1 ### 2026-10-17: 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. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-lakers-waive-dalton-knecht-to-meet-roster-limit ### 2026-10-15: 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. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-lakers-exploring-trade-options-for-dalton-knecht ### 2026-10-08: 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 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dalton-knecht-faces-uncertain-future-with-los-angeles-lakers ### 2026-10-05: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-lakers-players-dalton-knecht-and-jarred-vanderbilt-face-roster-uncertainty ### 2026-10-01: 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. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-lakers-weigh-waiving-dalton-knecht-amid-roster-crunch --- Cite as: Lakers roster reduction and Dalton Knecht move. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/los-angeles-lakers-roster-reduction-process