Lakers may release Dalton Knecht as roster moves approach
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 6:53 AM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to release Dalton Knecht as they finalize their roster. With 16 spots available post-offseason moves, including the addition of Walker Kessler, the Lakers must cut at least one player before training camp starts next month. Knecht’s inconsistent performance since a promising start as SEC Player of the Year has left him outside of the team's primary rotation. If no trade materializes, a release would be on the table, although this would leave dead money on the salary cap for the 2026-27 season. Other players like Jarred Vanderbilt are also being considered in trade talks as the Lakers seek improvements.
- •Lakers need to finalize their roster before training camp in September.
- •Dalton Knecht's performance has declined after an early promising season.
- •Lakers exploring trades for Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt.
- •Releasing Knecht would result in dead money on the Lakers' cap.
- 6:37 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers predicted to part ways with $54M disappointing defensive menace to clear roster spot
- 6:53 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers predicted to part ways with $18M former first-round blunder to end disappointing stint
"The Los Angeles Lakers have to make a roster move in order to have the allowed roster spots. It looks like the guy the most likely to be released is a first round draft pick that didn't pan out.
"The Los Angeles Lakers have to clear a roster spot by the end of training camp. It looks like a reliable defensive first guy could be the odd man out.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 10, 2026, 6:37 PMLakers predicted to part ways with $54M disappointing defensive menace to clear roster spot
The Los Angeles Lakers have to clear a roster spot by the end of training camp. It looks like a reliable defensive first guy could be the odd man out.
- Yahoo SportsAug 9, 2026, 6:53 AMLakers predicted to part ways with $18M former first-round blunder to end disappointing stint
The Los Angeles Lakers have to make a roster move in order to have the allowed roster spots. It looks like the guy the most likely to be released is a first round draft pick that didn't pan out.
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