The Los Angeles Lakers are actively looking to trade forward Dalton Knecht as the regular season approaches and roster cuts loom. According to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, the Lakers are among teams exploring deals to move players ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with Knecht identified as a potential odd man out.
Knecht, 25, played a more prominent role in his rookie year during the 2024-25 season but saw his minutes and production decline significantly last year. He appeared in 54 games in 2025-26, averaging just 10.2 minutes and 4.2 points per game, down from 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in his first season. His role shrank as the Lakers’ plans shifted, especially after a failed trade with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams, which appeared to reduce the team's confidence in him.
The Lakers currently have 16 players signed, but the NBA requires teams to trim rosters to 15 before the season begins. Knecht faces stiff competition for minutes from recent offseason signings Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and first-round draft pick Cameron Carr. This depth in the forward positions makes Knecht’s place on the team uncertain.
Khobi Price of the California Post noted that “multiple rival executives expect [Knecht] to be the odd man out as the Lakers look to trim their roster from 16 players on standard NBA deals to the league maximum of 15.” Despite this, Lakers head coach JJ Redick spoke positively about Knecht’s attitude and work ethic ahead of the season. Redick said, “First of all, he’s been a pro. He’s been in the gym. Like he has since Day 1, he has worked his butt off all offseason. And he’s had a good three days of practice. So I don’t think his approach changes. I know he’s hungry to play and hungry to earn a spot in the rotation.”
The Lakers have been trying to find a trade partner for Knecht throughout the offseason but have yet to complete a deal. With the roster deadline set for Monday at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, the team has less than a week to decide whether to keep Knecht or move him to clear space.
Dalton Knecht was seen on the bench alongside Bronny James during a game against the Sacramento Kings on October 8 at Crypto.com Arena, a reminder of his reduced court time last season. The Lakers’ front office now faces a challenging decision as they balance their roster needs and salary commitments in the final days before the regular season kicks off.
According to Yahoo Sports.