The Los Angeles Lakers have 16 players on guaranteed contracts, and Dalton Knecht has a chance to prove he shouldn’t be cut during training camp. The 2024 first-round draft pick has been in trade rumors this summer, but the front office hasn’t been able to find a deal. The Lakers must get down to 15 players by opening night. Knecht is the most likely player to be cut, which only adds pressure to perform during training camp.
The 6’6 forward was a bucket in college. He scored the fifth most points in the NCAA and was eighth in points per game during his senior season at Tennessee. Los Angeles took him with the 17th overall pick, but things haven’t worked. Knecht showed flashes as a rookie. Sadly, things went downhill after he was traded to Charlotte in the rescinded Mark Williams deal. He barely got on the floor last season and produced a negative value over replacement player (VORP) in his 553 minutes.
Knecht played five years of college basketball and turned 25 years old in April. He should be entering his prime. If the Lakers don’t see significant improvement during training camp and the five preseason games, Knecht may be sent packing. This audition isn’t just for the purple and gold. Knecht must show the rest of the league he belongs.
Dalton Knecht’s contract makes it easy for Lakers to move on
The Lakers retooled their roster around Luka Doncic this summer. Knecht doesn’t fit. LA has to cover for Doncic and Austin Reaves on the defensive end of the floor and has plenty of shot creation. Knecht could operate as a floor spacer, but he would need to regain his shooting form.
Knecht is owed $4.2 million this season, and the Lakers have a $6.2 million team option for the 2027-28 campaign that needs to be decided on by Oct. 31. They could eat the $4.2 million and walk away. It wouldn't be the prettiest solution, but their only cheaper options are Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Kevon Looney, Bronny James, and Adou Thiero. The Lakers are trying to develop the two young talents and signed the other three this summer to give them depth.
Cutting Knecht limits LA’s financial flexibility. The Lakers would love to find a trade, but that hasn’t happened this offseason. They need a starting-level power forward and would love to include Knecht in the deal that acquires one. It is still possible, but the regular season opener is just over one month away.
Dalton Knecht doesn’t want to be the next Jalen Hood-Schifino
Hood-Schifino was traded to the Jazz in Feb. 2025 and was immediately waived by his new team. He signed a two-way contract with the 76ers, but only played in 13 NBA games to close the 2024-25 season. JHS didn’t play a single minute in the 2025-26 campaign because he couldn’t find a deal.
Knecht has a shot to prove he is still a plus shooter and scorer during training camp. He needs to give teams a reason to desire him. Last season, Knecht averaged 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game. Teams won’t be clamoring for that, especially with his negative 0.2 VORP.
The pressure is on Knecht during training camp to prove he belongs in the NBA. The 25-year-old is no longer a project. Teams will quickly want production, so Knecht needs to showcase improvement.
Dalton Knecht is fighting for his NBA future during training camp
Knecht holds the keys here. Fans know he can become a plus shooter and scorer because they saw the early flashes. That version of Knecht must show up to training camp and make his case for sticking in the NBA.
That is a different kind of pressure. Most players enter training camp fighting for playing time or a spot in the rotation. Knecht is on a short list of players on guaranteed contracts fighting for a roster spot. If the 6’6 forward gets waived by the Lakers, his future is uncertain. Knecht would likely have to shine in the G League to get back on a guaranteed contract.
The Los Angeles Lakers will have plenty of interesting stories unfolding at training camp, including Dalton Knecht fighting for his future with the team. The Lakers have new owners and want to win championships. Knecht hasn’t been ready to help in his first two NBA seasons. He must show off an offseason leap quickly, or he may be off the roster.
The Lakers have to get down to 15 players before opening night of the regular season. How they get there is unclear, but Knecht could be on the chopping block. He must regain his confidence and perform. If not, DK likely gets waived, and there is no guarantee that he sticks in the NBA.
Knecht needs an outstanding training camp. If he can’t keep his spot with the Lakers, it will give other teams a reason to sign him. That may be Knecht’s best bet at this point, especially after his struggles in LA.
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