Lakers now just want Jaden Hardy off the roster, per report

Sean Deveney reports the Lakers tried to use Jaden Hardy as a piece in a Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade with Atlanta, and now that deal has fallen through, they simply want to move on from him.

Hardy, 24, came to LA in the offseason deal that sent Deandre Ayton to Washington, and split last season between Dallas and Washington averaging 9.2 points a game. With no trade in hand, Hardy could be a candidate to be waived to get the roster compliant.

Jaden Hardy Jonathan Kuminga

Related updates

New York Post ↗· 21 Sept 2026

Waiver · LAL

Developing

Lakers weigh trades or waivers to shed one roster spot

The Lakers sit at 16 guaranteed contracts, one over the league's regular-season limit, after signing Matisse Thybulle in late July. Jaden Hardy, Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt are seen as the likeliest players to be moved or waived before camp.

Heavy ↗· 6 Oct 2026

Free agency · MEM / LAL

Developing

Lakers eyed as landing spot if Grizzlies waive Kris Murray

Kris Murray could be among Memphis's camp cuts, with NBA insider Brett Siegel pointing to the wing as the likely odd man out behind GG Jackson and rookie Karim Lopez.

Heavy ↗· 1 Oct 2026· updated 2d 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 a 15-man limit. NBA insider Brett Siegel adds the Lakers nearly traded Knecht for Buddy Hield before passing on the deal.