dalton knecht
Dalton Knecht should have a clear position with Lebron James gone CCS pictures/Flickr

Dalton Knecht entered the NBA with significant expectations after the Lakers selected him 17th overall in the 2024 Draft on a four‑year rookie deal worth about $18.4 million, but just two seasons later the 25‑year‑old now finds himself fighting for his place on a crowded Los Angeles roster.

The 2026‑27 season is set to pay him approximately $4.2 million, yet his role has become increasingly uncertain as the franchise explores trade options.

Lakers Exploring Trade Options

Los Angeles has been active throughout the off‑season and now faces a roster squeeze that could force the organisation to make another move before the start of the regular season. Reports have indicated that Knecht and veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt are among the players being made available in trade discussions.

NBA reporter Evan Sidery previously reported that the Lakers were actively shopping both players after acquiring additional second‑round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade. Those assets could potentially be combined with a player such as Knecht in an attempt to bring in a more established wing.

The Lakers' need for roster flexibility has only increased the scrutiny on Knecht's situation. The team can carry more players during training camp, but the regular‑season roster limit means at least one player currently under contract will eventually have to make way unless another move is completed.

Promising Start Faded Away

Knecht's current predicament marks a significant change from the optimism surrounding him during his rookie season.

The Tennessee product showed an ability to stretch the floor with his three‑point shooting and appeared capable of becoming an important offensive weapon for Los Angeles.

Head coach JJ Redick also spoke positively about his potential and appeared to view him as part of the team's longer‑term plans.

However, his second season proved considerably more difficult. Knecht's playing time declined and he spent stretches away from the Lakers' regular rotation. His development was further complicated by the dramatic trade episode involving the Charlotte Hornets.

He was sent to Charlotte as part of a deal involving centre Mark Williams, but the trade was subsequently rescinded after Williams failed his physical examination. Knecht returned to Los Angeles, but he struggled to recapture the momentum he had built earlier in his career.

A Change of Scenery Could Help

The Lakers' willingness to discuss Knecht does not necessarily mean they have given up on his potential.

At 25, he remains young enough to attract interest from teams searching for shooting and perimeter scoring. His relatively modest salary could also make him a useful trade piece for a franchise looking to add a young player without taking on a major financial commitment.

A move elsewhere could ultimately provide Knecht with a fresh opportunity and a larger role. For Los Angeles, however, the priority is building a roster capable of competing at the top of the Western Conference while addressing the team's remaining weaknesses.

Knecht's Lakers Future Hangs in the Balance

The Lakers have several options available, including finding a trade partner for Knecht, moving another player or making a difficult decision regarding the final places on the roster.

Lakers insider Jovan Buha recently identified Knecht, Jaden Hardy and Bronny James as three players whose positions could be vulnerable as the franchise works towards its final roster. Knecht therefore enters the next stage of the off‑season with his Lakers future far from guaranteed.

Once viewed as a promising first‑round shooting prospect, he could now become one of the more intriguing young players available in trade discussions, with his next destination potentially determining whether his NBA career regains the momentum it once appeared certain to have.

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