The Los Angeles Lakers have 16 players on standard guaranteed contracts right now, but they can only carry 15. That means one player *has* to go before the NBA’s October 19th deadline, and all signs point to Dalton Knecht feeling the heat. This isn’t some hypothetical; teams around the league are making these tough calls, and the Lakers are right in the thick of it.
Lakers’ New Direction Puts Pressure On Every Spot
The Lakers made some big moves this offseason, completely reshaping things with a clear focus on getting more athletic and playing better defense. It’s wild to think about, but some are even arguing this squad is *better* than last season’s, even after losing LeBron James. That’s a huge claim, and it means every single player, especially the non-superstars like Luka Doncic, has to prove their worth. The margin for error is razor-thin when you’re trying to improve without your biggest star.
The Clock Is Ticking For Dalton Knecht
For a minute there, it felt like the Lakers might have found something special in Dalton Knecht. But let’s be real, his first couple of years in Los Angeles have been “somewhat disappointing.” Basketnews didn’t pull any punches, stating that Knecht “appears to be the player under the most pressure” to make the final roster. He’s not a fresh-faced 21-year-old with a ton of untapped potential. This Tennessee product is already 25, a somewhat late draft pick, which changes the whole conversation about his upside. Is that potential as a three-point shooter enough to keep him on the roster? That’s the million-dollar question JJ Redick and the Lakers front office have to answer.
So, mark your calendars for October 19th, 5 p.m. ET. That’s when we’ll get the final word on who makes the cut. One Laker is definitely getting traded or waived. The team is trying to get more athletic and play better defense; every single roster spot absolutely matters for that vision. Who’s it gonna be?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply