The Los Angeles Lakers currently have 16 players on guaranteed standard contracts -- one more than allowed once the regular season starts. Who is going to be the odd man out of the Lakers' 2026-27 plans? The writing on the wall screams Dalton Knecht.
Lakers analyst Tom Zayas recently identified Knecht as the likely goner during an episode of the Lakers Collective podcast. Knecht's had an up-and-down NBA career with the Lakers, and it's not entirely his fault. There have been some things beyond Knecht's control that have messed with his development, such as his rescinded trade to the Charlotte Hornets.
Dalton Knecht was once a surefire future contributor for the Lakers
Knecht had a very promising rookie season in 2024-25, averaging over 19 minutes per game, over nine points per game, and shooting 37.6 percent from 3. But his role has diminished since then, and so, too, has his confidence at times. The Lakers haven't made his development a priority, and it's impacted Knecht's mental game, for sure.
The Lakers have reportedly been trying to find a trade for Knecht this summer, which is a tad surprising given LA's thin depth at wing. They must simply think that the relationship with Knecht is too squandered. Or maybe they just truly don't think Knecht is that good.
Given what Knecht displayed in college and during his rookie campaign, I'm with people who think the Lakers should hold onto Knecht, at the very least until they land another wing. I realize this conflicts with the roster crunch. There's still time for Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka to do some reshuffling. It's also notable that multiple analysts (like Zayas) believe Knecht will be gone. As I wrote, the writing's on the wall, even if some, including myself, are a bit baffled by the Lakers' apparent aversion to Knecht.
Shouldn't the Lakers consider holding onto Dalton Knecht?
Knecht is in that no-man's land of having very little trade value but still being decent enough to provide you minutes on a standard rookie contract. Also, at 25 years old, he's someone who gives you energy and athleticism off the bench over the course of a marathon, 82-game season. This feels like a guy you should try to keep (especially if you need wing depth) rather than trade for nothing or worse, release.
Do the Lakers believe Ziaire Williams is better than Knecht? Perhaps. No doubt, recently drafted wing Cameron Carr is already above Knecht in the in-house pecking order.
Knecht's defensive flaws make him dispensable, but it still feels like the Lakers missed out on a really solid NBA player by yanking Knecht around and being careless with his development. I wouldn't be surprised if he sticks somewhere else and turns into a productive rotational player in the years to come.
And that's what leads back to a likely Knecht departure -- a change of scenery would probably be best for everyone involved here.
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