A promising beginning gives way to a roster exit
Dalton Knecht's time on the Lakers' roster ended in Monday's final reduction before the regular season, AP reported. Los Angeles had drafted him in the first round in 2024, but his playing opportunities had narrowed to about ten minutes per game last season.
There had been a much brighter beginning. Against Utah in November 2024, Knecht made nine shots from three-point range and finished with 37 points. That performance came within a nine-game spell in which he averaged 18.9 points. His college background had also been strong: he won the SEC's player-of-the-year award at Tennessee in 2024.
The sustained rotation role suggested by that early spell did not follow. Knecht struggled to reproduce the same impact and was unable to establish regular minutes after an interrupted move in February 2025.
Earlier trade and opening roster context
That proposed transaction would have sent Knecht, Cam Reddish and draft assets to Charlotte for Mark Williams. The Lakers later reversed the deal following Williams' physical examination. It was an earlier, cancelled trade, distinct from the latest decision to release Knecht.
The final roster choice leaves Bronny James with Los Angeles as he starts a third season. Across his first two campaigns, Bronny appeared 69 times and averaged 2.7 points. His father, LeBron James, departed during the offseason.
Los Angeles is due to host Golden State on Wednesday to open the regular season. The roster announcement settles Knecht's immediate status with the Lakers before that fixture, while neither naming his next team nor reporting the outcome of opening night.