Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht faces a serious risk of being cut as the franchise trims its roster to the NBA-mandated limit of 15 standard contracts, Khobi Price of the California Post reported. Opposing team executives believe the 25-year-old player is the most likely candidate to be squeezed out as the Lakers transition from 16 players down to the final regular-season limit following training camp.
Dalton Knecht Enters Critical Roster Crunch After Roster Revamp
Knecht enters the third year of his rookie contract, which totals $18.5 million and includes a team option on the final season. That agreement once provided stability, but it no longer guarantees his roster spot ahead of the regular season. His rookie campaign yielded encouraging numbers across 78 games, including 16 starts. He averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rimbalzi in 19.2 minutes per contest, shooting a solid 37.6% from beyond the arc on more than four attempts per game to provide crucial floor spacing.
The subsequent season brought a sharp decline in playing time and production. Knecht appeared in 54 games, seeing his court time drop to just 10.2 minutes per game. His scoring fell to 4.2 points, while his three-point percentage dipped to 34.2%. Across his first two NBA seasons, he has accumulated 132 total appearances with an average of 7.1 points.
Offseason Additions Create Intense Competition in Los Angeles Backcourt
The supporting cast around the Lakers has undergone a total transformation following the departure of LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers. The franchise reshaped its roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves by bringing in Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle, and Ziaire Williams, alongside 24th overall draft pick Cameron Carr.
This massive influx of talent has created heavy congestion on the perimeter. Knecht now sits behind a crowded depth chart featuring Doncic, Reaves, Grimes, Sexton, Jalen Hardy, Carr, and Bronny James, with Thybulle also competing for quality minutes on both ends of the floor. That fierce competition leaves his standing in the locker room more fragile than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lakers Roster Decisions
What is the current contract status of Dalton Knecht with the Lakers?
Knecht is entering the third year of his rookie deal, which spans $18.5 million in total compensation and contains a team option for the final season.
How many players must the Los Angeles Lakers cut before the regular season?
The franchise must reduce its active roster from 16 players down to the league-mandated limit of 15 standard contracts following the conclusion of training camp.
What were Knecht’s statistics during his rookie season in Los Angeles?
He played 78 games with 16 starts during his debut year, averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in 19.2 minutes while shooting 37.6% from three-point range.
Whether the front office ultimately elects to waive Knecht or explores alternative roster adjustments before opening night remains undetermined.