rutlandherald
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers made their final roster move of the preseason on Monday, waiving guard Dalton Knecht, the team announced.
Knecht, selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, created a buzz early in his rookie campaign with a spectacular scoring stretch. The high point came in November 2024 when he poured in 37 points and connected on nine 3-pointers against the Utah Jazz. Over a nine-game span that month, he averaged 18.9 points per contest, briefly looking like a foundational piece for the franchise.
However, Knecht was unable to sustain that level of production. His role diminished significantly following a trade deadline deal in February 2025 that briefly sent him to the Charlotte Hornets. The Lakers had agreed to trade Knecht, Cam Reddish, and draft compensation to Charlotte in exchange for center Mark Williams, but the deal was rescinded hours later after Williams failed his physical. Knecht returned to Los Angeles but never reclaimed a spot in the rotation, averaging just 10 minutes per game last season.
The decision to waive Knecht ensures that guard Bronny James will remain on the roster for the start of his third NBA season. James, the son of all-time scoring leader LeBron James, who departed in the offseason, has appeared in 69 games over his first two years with the Lakers, averaging 2.7 points per game.
Los Angeles opens the regular season at home on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors.
Key Analysis
Knecht's release underscores the volatility of NBA roster decisions, especially for young players who flash potential but fail to carve out a consistent role. The Lakers' choice to retain Bronny James, despite modest statistical output, may reflect a combination of developmental upside and marketing considerations. As the team tips off against Golden State, all eyes will be on how the revamped roster performs without LeBron James for the first time in over a decade.
Originally reported by rutlandherald.