Lakers Waive Dalton Knecht and Keep Bronny James for 2026-27

The Los Angeles Lakers released Dalton Knecht on October 19, 2026, after failing to secure a trade for the 25-year-old forward before the NBA's regular-season roster deadline. The decision reduced the team to the required 15 standard-contract players ahead of its 2026-27 season opener, while Bronny James and Jaden Hardy retained their roster positions.

According to reports from Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports, the Lakers had entered training camp with 16 players on standard contracts and explored trade possibilities involving Knecht. However, multiple discussions failed to produce a deal, leaving the franchise to waive its 2024 first-round selection rather than carry an oversized roster.

Knecht, selected 17th overall out of Tennessee in 2024, averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in approximately 19 minutes per game as a rookie. His production declined during the following season, when he averaged 4.2 points in roughly 10 minutes per game off the bench, according to Yahoo Sports.

The forward had two years remaining on his original four-year, $18.4 million rookie contract. His release followed an unsuccessful trade arrangement with the Charlotte Hornets in 2025, when the Lakers attempted to acquire center Mark Williams. The transaction collapsed after Williams failed his physical, and Knecht returned to Los Angeles.

Yahoo Sports reported that the Lakers pursued additional trade opportunities throughout training camp, but The Athletic's Dan Woike described the market for Knecht as lacking significant interest. With the roster deadline approaching, the team ultimately chose to end his tenure rather than continue searching for a trade partner.

Lakers coach JJ Redick discussed the changing circumstances surrounding Knecht before the roster decision. He pointed to personnel additions and shifting team requirements as factors affecting the forward's position.

"The team changed. The needs changed, the fit changed," Redick said on Friday, according to The Athletic. "I think he got better as a player over the last two years.

I think each guy has, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the amount of injuries we had. So, I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings, and he's in a tough spot right now."

CBS Sports assessed the decision as another setback for the Lakers' 2024 draft class, leaving James as the only remaining member of that group on the roster. The outlet noted that James struggled offensively during the preseason, making 4 of 16 shots while the Lakers were outscored by 31 points during his 82 minutes on the court.

James, a second-round selection, and Knecht faced different expectations when they joined the organization. Knecht arrived after earning SEC Player of the Year honors during his final college season at Tennessee, while James entered the league with considerably less draft investment. CBS Sports argued that the contrasting defensive profiles and roster considerations may have influenced the Lakers' choice, although the team's internal evaluation of their training camp performances was not publicly established.

The outlet also highlighted the Lakers' decision to move on from Jordan Goodwin, who contributed to the team's 2024-25 rotation before subsequently emerging with the Phoenix Suns. CBS Sports contended that the organization's handling of its young players limited its flexibility when finalizing the roster.

The Lakers are scheduled to open their season at home against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The campaign marks Redick's third season as head coach and the franchise's first without LeBron James since 2018, following his move to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Luka Dončić remains the team's central star, while Knecht enters the season as an unrestricted free agent following his release.