Lakers Waive 2024 Draft Pick Dalton Knecht to Keep Bronny James

The Los Angeles Lakers waived forward Dalton Knecht on Monday, October 19, 2026, to reduce their roster to 15 players ahead of the NBA's 5 p.m. ET deadline. Knecht, selected 17th overall in the 2024 draft, struggled significantly during the preseason, averaging 2.8 points on 25% shooting across four appearances.

The waiver came down to a choice between Knecht and Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, with the organization opting to retain James and fellow prospect Jaden Hardy. Lakers coach JJ Redick attributed the decision to roster changes and fit, stating that the team added "a lot of wings" this season, putting Knecht "in a tough spot." According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, Knecht lacked consistency and confidence, with poor body language suggesting he was "checked out" with the group.

Knecht's decline accelerated following a failed trade attempt in February 2025, when the Lakers attempted to acquire center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in a deal involving Knecht, but the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical. Knecht returned to Los Angeles diminished, averaging just 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes across 54 games in his second season. During his promising rookie year, he averaged 9.1 points and shot 46.1% overall and 37.6% from three-point range across 78 games.

Sports analyst Sam Quinn of CBS Sports had publicly urged the Lakers to trade Bronny James instead, arguing that Knecht represented better trade value and that "the Lakers don't really need the James brand like other teams do." However, Redick's comments and the final decision suggested confidence in Bronny's trajectory despite his own preseason struggles—he averaged 2.2 points across five preseason games. The Lakers pursued 2-for-1 trade options to move Knecht and another player for additional frontcourt help but could not complete a deal by the deadline.