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The Lakers have to trade or waive a player before Opening Night.
Coach JJ Redick discussed the roster shuffle as the Lakers look to trim the team from 16 to 15 players and specifically referenced third-year wing Dalton Knecht.
“I think the biggest thing is the team changed,” Redick said. “The team changed. Needs changed, the fit changed. I think he’s gotten better as a player the last two years.
“I think, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the injuries we had. I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings, and he’s in a tough spot right now.”
The Lakers have an abundance of wings, including Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr and Jake LaRavia. Jarred Vanderbilt is also an option, but his name has been floated in trade rumors long before the offseason.
But as the Lakers begin the season in only a few days, Knecht seems like the most likely option to get cut.
Knecht was traded by the Lakers in February 2025 to the Hornets, but the deal was rescinded when center Mark Williams failed his physical. Since the trade, Knecht has never played with quite the same confidence for the Purple-and-Gold.
A change of scenery would be beneficial for the 25-year-old, but there’s no guarantee the Lakers will be able to trade Knecht before Opening Night. Thus, the only alternative is waiving Knecht.