Knecht's Lakers exit looks set, via trade or final cut

Lakers insider Jovan Buha said Dalton Knecht is more likely than Jaden Hardy to be moved or waived as Los Angeles chases a backup center.

NBA insider Brett Siegel echoed that Knecht faces real pressure to keep his roster spot in camp. Buha noted the Lakers' failed attempt to trade Knecht for Mark Williams two seasons ago may have dented his standing.

The Lakers currently carry 16 guaranteed contracts, and Knecht's modest $4.2M salary makes him an easy trade chip, according to Fadeaway World. One proposed deal would send him to Chicago for Leonard Miller and three future second-round picks.

Another would route him to Brooklyn for Josh Minott and two second-rounders, though neither is reported as under actual discussion. Nothing is finalized, but the reporting points toward Knecht being squeezed out once the Lakers trim to 15.

+ 5 reports from 2 outlets

Heavy · 6 Oct 2026Knecht's Lakers tenure nearing its end after scoreless preseason outing

Heavy · 2 Oct 2026Knecht's roster spot in doubt as Lakers near cutdown deadline

Heavy · 30 Sept 2026Knecht expected to be Lakers' final camp cut after Hield deal fell through

Fadeaway World · 30 Sept 2026Bulls, Nets among floated landing spots for Dalton Knecht

Heavy · 29 Sept 2026Knecht's Lakers exit looks set, via trade or final cut

Dalton Knecht Jaden Hardy

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