Dalton Knecht could be the odd man out if the Lakers cannot use him to complete a deal for Jonathan Kuminga.
The Los Angeles Lakers reshaped nearly their entire roster this offseason, but general manager Rob Pelinka still has one move left to make before the regular season begins.
L.A. currently has 16 players under standard contracts, one more than the NBA’s regular-season limit of 15. The Lakers can carry the extra player through training camp, but they must create an opening before facing the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21.
Dalton Knecht appears to be the most likely player to lose his spot, especially if the Lakers cannot include him in a potential deal with the Atlanta Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga.
Lakers should explore trade first
Knecht is scheduled to earn approximately $4.2 million during the 2026-27 season, according to Spotrac. Waiving him would leave guaranteed money on the Lakers’ books, making a trade the more practical outcome.
Los Angeles should exhaust every possible deal before releasing a former first-round pick. Knecht remains an affordable young player with a valuable offensive skill. He averaged 9.1 points and shot 37.6% from 3-point range as a rookie before struggling to earn consistent minutes during his second season.
May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los AngelesLakersguardDaltonKnecht(4) warms up prior to game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn ImagesHis future in L.A. became more uncertain after the team added several wings this summer. Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams are expected to receive opportunities because of their defensive ability. Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero also can fill minutes at forward.
Rookie Cameron Carr is unlikely to be moved or waived after the Lakers traded up to select him with the No. 24 pick. Carr’s length, athleticism and defensive potential give him a clearer place in the organization’s long-term plans.
That crowded rotation could leave Knecht without a meaningful role, even if he survives the final roster cut.
Feb 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los AngelesLakersforwardDaltonKnecht(4) shoots against San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesKuminga talks could decide Knecht’s future
The Lakers have been linked to Kuminga, whose athleticism and ability to play multiple frontcourt positions would fit the younger roster being built around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Knecht could be included in a potential sign-and-trade package with Atlanta. Moving him in that type of transaction would allow L.A. to create the needed roster spot while receiving an established rotation player in return.
If the Lakers cannot reach an agreement with the Hawks, they should search for another team willing to offer a second-round pick or another modest asset for Knecht. Releasing him should be the final option, not the first.
Bronny James also could be viewed as a roster-bubble candidate, but his $2.3 million salary is smaller and the Lakers have continued investing in his development. Thiero carries the lowest salary among the 16 standard contracts, but his defense, strength and Summer League performance improved his case to stay.
Knecht still has enough shooting ability to help another team, but his opportunity in Los Angeles appears to be disappearing. If L.A. cannot turn him into Kuminga or another asset, the Lakers may decide that opening the roster spot is more valuable than retaining a player buried on the depth chart.
