Lakers Face 2 P.M. Roster Deadline With Dalton Knecht’s Future in Doubt

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have until 2 p.m. PT Monday to make a decision that could end Dalton Knecht’s time with the organization.

Los Angeles currently carries 16 players on standard contracts, one above the NBA’s regular-season limit. The Lakers must reduce that number to 15 before the league’s roster deadline, leaving the front office with a narrowing window to complete a trade or waive a player.

Current reporting has centered on Knecht. The Lakers spent the weekend searching for a workable trade involving the third-year wing and have explored deals that could also return additional frontcourt depth.

Lakers have explored a Dalton Knecht trade

The Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks previously held exploratory discussions on a framework involving Knecht and center Jericho Sims, according to NBA reporters Jake Fischer and Marc Stein. The proposed structure reportedly included Los Angeles sending second-round draft compensation with Knecht.

There has also been skepticism that the Milwaukee framework will become an actual deal. Sims may not be the only center the Lakers have considered, but the underlying objective is clear: move one guaranteed contract while improving the roster rather than losing a player for nothing.

Knecht’s contract makes him easier to include in trade discussions than several of the Lakers’ veterans. He is earning approximately $4.2 million this season, a manageable figure for teams looking to take a low-cost chance on a former first-round pick.

Why Knecht is on the roster bubble

The Lakers selected Knecht with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, viewing his shooting as an immediate fit around their stars. He flashed that upside early in his rookie season, most notably during a 37-point performance against the Utah Jazz.

The larger role never became permanent. Knecht struggled to provide consistent value when his shot was not falling, and his defensive limitations made it difficult for JJ Redick to trust him in high-leverage lineups. His playing time declined during his second season, and he entered this preseason needing to show meaningful growth.

Instead, the Lakers’ offseason additions pushed him further down a crowded wing rotation. Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Quentin Grimes, Jake LaRavia and rookie Cameron Carr all give Redick different combinations of defense, playmaking and shooting around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

What about Bronny James?

Bronny James has naturally become part of the fan debate because the Lakers must remove one standard contract and his preseason performance did little to secure a rotation role. However, the available reporting has focused far more heavily on Knecht as the player Los Angeles is actively attempting to move.

That distinction matters. Any player can become part of a last-minute transaction, but the situation should not be presented as a confirmed choice between Knecht and James. As of Monday morning, no deal or waiver decision had been announced.

A roster cut with an opening-night consequence

The Lakers’ interest in adding another center is notable even after acquiring Walker Kessler and signing Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Sims would offer another athletic option around the rim, although bringing him back in a one-for-one deal would still require Milwaukee to help the Lakers achieve the necessary roster reduction.

Los Angeles opens the regular season Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors. The final roster must be settled before then, and Monday’s deadline removes the front office’s ability to wait for a more attractive offer.

If a trade cannot be completed, the Lakers will have to waive Knecht or another player by the cut-down buzzer. Either way, a roster built throughout the summer will look different by Monday afternoon.