Knecht faces long odds to stick as Lakers weigh roster cuts

Dalton Knecht's roster spot is in question as the Lakers look to get under the 15-man limit. NBA insider Brett Siegel said on the ClutchScoops podcast Knecht will have to fight Jaden Hardy for a spot, and wouldn't be shocked if Knecht is cut.

Lakers Nation's Trevor Lane believes Los Angeles would not exercise Knecht's team option if forced to decide now, though the deadline isn't until October 31.

ClutchPoints' David Yapkowitz put that option at roughly $4.2 million, below the $6.4 million first reported, with a second option for 2027-28. Los Angeles nearly traded Knecht to Charlotte for Mark Williams before that deal collapsed at the deadline, and his name has kept surfacing in trade talk since.

With the roster over the limit and the forward spot crowded by new additions, the Lakers appear more likely to trade Knecht than keep developing him.

$6.4M · 1yr

+ 9 reports from 4 outlets

Heavy · 5 Oct 2026Knecht's roster spot in doubt as Lakers face Oct. 31 option deadline

Fadeaway World · 3 Oct 2026Rival executives expect Lakers to cut Dalton Knecht this fall

Bleacher Report · 2 Oct 2026Rival execs see Knecht as Lakers' odd man out before cutdown

Heavy · 2 Oct 2026Knecht seen as odd man out as Lakers trim roster to 15

Heavy · 1 Oct 2026Silence on Knecht's role fuels cut speculation in LA

Heavy · 1 Oct 2026Knecht's Lakers exit nears, with Chicago floated as landing spot

Hoops Rumors · 1 Oct 2026Knecht's silence from Redick fuels Lakers roster-crunch worries

Heavy · 27 Sept 2026Knecht's Lakers future in doubt as roster crunch looms

Heavy · 25 Sept 2026Knecht faces long odds to stick as Lakers weigh roster cuts

Dalton Knecht Jaden Hardy

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