Lakers waive Dalton Knecht as roster cuts finalize ahead of season opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 19, 2026, 10:19 PM
Last updated Oct 19, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers waived guard Dalton Knecht on October 19, in their final roster decision before the regular season. Knecht, who was the team's first-round pick in 2024, struggled to maintain his early-season promise and averaged only 10 minutes per game last season. After a brief trade saga with the Charlotte Hornets in February 2025, he failed to earn a regular spot in the rotation. With Knecht's departure, the Lakers will retain guard Bronny James for the upcoming season, which starts with a home game against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
- •Knecht was a first-round pick for the Lakers in 2024.
- •He averaged 10 minutes per game last season.
- •Bronny James remains on the roster as the team prepares for opening night.
- •The Lakers face the Golden State Warriors in their season opener.
- 11:01 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers finally waive Dalton Knecht after failed trade talks ahead of season opener vs. Warriors
- 10:19 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers waive former 1st-round pick Dalton Knecht ahead of opening night
"(AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers waived guard Dalton Knecht on Monday in their final roster cutdown for the regular season.Knecht was the Lakers' first-round pick in 2024, and he briefly appeared to be a star in the making early in his rookie season.
"The Los Angeles Lakers finally make a decision has been hinted for some time now. The Lakers move on from their once prized first-rounder.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 19, 2026, 11:01 PMLakers finally waive Dalton Knecht after failed trade talks ahead of season opener vs. Warriors
The Los Angeles Lakers finally make a decision has been hinted for some time now. The Lakers move on from their once prized first-rounder.
- Yahoo SportsOct 19, 2026, 10:19 PMLakers waive former 1st-round pick Dalton Knecht ahead of opening night
(AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers waived guard Dalton Knecht on Monday in their final roster cutdown for the regular season.Knecht was the Lakers' first-round pick in 2024, and he briefly appeared to be a star in the making early in his rookie season.
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