Insiders split on Knecht's market if Lakers waive him

The Lakers are still expected to waive Dalton Knecht to get under the 15-man roster limit, with a decision due by October 19. NBA insider Brett Siegel says rebuilding teams like the Bulls, Hornets, Clippers, Wizards, Pistons, Grizzlies, Jazz or Suns could have interest in the $4.2M shooter.

Lakers insider Jovan Buha disagrees, arguing most rosters are full and Knecht is more likely to land a two-way deal than get claimed or traded outright.

$4.2M

Dalton Knecht

Related updates

Heavy ↗· 1 Oct 2026· updated 20h ago

Waiver · LAL

Developing

Knecht favored to lose roster spot battle with Hardy in LA

Lakers insider Jovan Buha says Jaden Hardy is more likely to keep his roster spot than Dalton Knecht as Los Angeles trims from 16 guaranteed contracts to 15.

Heavy ↗· 1 Oct 2026· updated 7d ago

Trade rumor · CHI / LAL

Developing

Knecht for Collins floated as Lakers' center fix

One idea would send Dalton Knecht to Chicago for Zach Collins, giving JJ Redick a third center behind Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney. The Lakers had only two healthy centers last year after Kessler and Looney combined for just 26 games.

Heavy ↗· 30 Sept 2026· updated 6d ago

Trade rumor · CHI / LAL

Developing

Knecht or Hardy floated as Lakers trade bait for Bulls' Jalen Smith

ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel suggested the Lakers could dangle Dalton Knecht or Jaden Hardy, maybe with a second-round pick, to pry Jalen Smith away from Chicago, with Smith in the last year of a three-year, $27M deal and set to give Los Angeles a stretch big behind Walker Kessler.