Lakers waive former No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Rookie Dalton Knecht started strong with the Lakers in the 2024-25 season, averaging 12.2 points and shooting 43.9% from three-point range in his first 19 games.
- After Luka Doncic joined the team, Knecht's performance declined due to defensive struggles, with his scoring dropping to 8.4 points post-All-Star break and 4.2 points last season on 34.2% three-point shooting.
- The Lakers waived Knecht to reduce their roster to 15 players, choosing to retain Bronny James and Jaden Hardy instead; attempts to trade Knecht during the offseason were unsuccessful.
- Knecht is now a free agent and may find opportunities elsewhere in the league, possibly on a two-way contract, as the Lakers' offensive strategy shifted with Doncic's arrival.
- The roster cutdown also saw two other notable players waived, underscoring the Lakers' roster adjustments ahead of the new season.
