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The Los Angeles Lakers reduced their roster from 16 to 15 guaranteed contracts on Monday, and the expected casualty was forward Dalton Knecht. The team had multiple options but ultimately chose to waive the former first-round pick, a decision that aligned with widespread speculation. Although the move was anticipated, it still stings for a player who never fulfilled the promise Los Angeles had envisioned.
Knecht now looks ahead to the 2026-27 season with a new organization. Despite the setback, he has a notable supporter in Metta World Peace, a beloved former Lakers champion who helped the franchise capture its 16th title in 2010. World Peace took to X to express his belief in Knecht’s potential, stating that he thinks Knecht is a future All-Star.
“Man I wished I coached Dalton Knecht,” World Peace wrote on his X account. “Wherever he goes, let me head coach. I love his game. He not white or black. Hes just a baller and future All Star. Ill make his ass work!!”
What Went Wrong for Dalton Knecht After His Promising Rookie Season?
Knecht, 25, initially impressed during his rookie campaign with his shooting and self-creation ability. His defensive limitations were evident, but his offensive contributions compensated early on. That promise faded, however, as the former Tennessee Volunteer never replicated the form he showed in the first half of the 2024-25 season. The rescinded trade for Mark Williams seemed to derail him, and he lost his shot, his confidence, and eventually his spot in the rotation.
Over two seasons in Los Angeles, Knecht appeared in just seven playoff games—two in 2024-25 and five in 2025-26. In those contests, he averaged 2.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.4 assists while shooting 38.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, logging only 22 playoff minutes. Entering the 2026-27 season, he was already considered the odd man out, but he had a chance to redeem himself and earn his way back into the rotation. Instead, his preseason was a disaster: in four games, he averaged 2.8 points on 25% shooting.
Despite the disappointing end, World Peace’s endorsement highlights the belief that Knecht’s talent could still flourish elsewhere. The Lakers, meanwhile, move forward with their 15-man roster as the season approaches.