Let us take stock of the 16 players on the Los Angeles Lakers roster to see where things are at with three preseason games in the books, and only two more remaining. In doing so, it should be easy to pinpoint who is fighting for their jobs amid the coming roster crunch.
First up, let us identify the players who are safe beyond any doubt. That group consists of: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, and Kevon Looney. That makes 11.
Next are the guys who are still a cut above seeing their job truly under threat. Jake LaRavia's strong preseason cleared up any doubts. Bronny James has also received the type of minutes and responsibilities that indicate safety among JJ Redick's guys. That brings us up to 13.
Finally, all you are left with is Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden Hardy, and Dalton Knecht. Vando's contract makes him a tough player to get rid of, even if the Lakers wanted to. Just like that, the stage is set for Hardy and Knecht to duke it out in the final preseason matchups against the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets.
Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy are locked in a battle for number 15
Popular opinion says Knecht is number 16 right now, and that much is fair to project based on what has been showcased. Based on playing time, the third-year wing has been closer to the bottom than Hardy has.
However, there is an important factor in assessing that. The Lakers have seen more absences from their guards during the preseason. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have missed time. Collin Sexton has not played altogether. Despite that, Hardy has still been checking in behind the likes of Bronny. That puts him right at the bottom fo the guard room in Los Angeles.
As such, there is an important question here: Is it better to be at the bottom of the backcourt rotation or the wing rotation?
Knecht is certainly last among his positional group, just like Hardy. Both are unlikely to have a major on-court impact on the Lakers throughout the upcoming 2026-27 regular season. Plus, Hardy has not exactly lit the world on fire during preseason play either.
Another pertinent question in this discussion is who could hold more trade value down the line. If the Lakers are eyeing a deadline deal in 2026-27 to upgrade the roster before a playoff push, one would imagine Hardy has the more enticing contract to keep around.
The last two games of the preseason could also play a sizable part in helping the Lakers make their decision. Perhaps a standout performance from either Hardy or Knecht can juice up the confidence which the organization holds for one of the two.
Someone's judgment day is coming. With the Lakers set to play regular season basketball in less than two weeks, fans will not have to wait long to find out who gets banished to the shadow realm.
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