Lakers’ Last Two First-Round Picks Both Waived Before Finishing Rookie Deals
Dalton Knecht and Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers' last two first-round picks before 2026, were both waived before they could finish out their rookie contracts.
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Dalton Knecht and Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Lakers' last two first-round picks before 2026, were both waived before they could finish out their rookie contracts.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has addressed his leadership role, the team’s chemistry and his physical condition as the franchise prepares for the 2026-27 NBA regular season. Following Monday’s practice, the Slovenian guard discussed the challenges of integrating new players into the Lakers’ rotation and establishing consistency with a revamped roster. Asked whether his […] The post Luka Doncic discusses Lakers chemistry appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
Collin Sexton provided a positive update on his leg injury ahead of the Lakers' opening night matchup.
Lakers waive 2025 first‑round pick Dalton Knecht to meet the NBA’s 15‑man roster limit, reigniting debate over the franchise’s handling of young talent. LA radio host Bill Reiter criticizes the contrast between Knecht, a former 17th overall selection who logged 2,047 minutes over 132 games, and Bronny James, the 55th‑overall pick who saw only 556 minutes yet stayed on the roster and even featured in the postseason. Reiter argues the Lakers gave James repeated chances while abandoning Knecht despite his early flash—tying a rookie three‑point record with nine makes and a 37‑point game. Coach J.J. Redick cites roster fit changes as the reason for the move, but the decision fuels questions about the team’s patience and talent evaluation.
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t yet gotten to see how Collin Sexton fits in with the rotation as the nine-year veteran has been sidelined for the entirety of the team’s preseason schedule while recovering from a lower leg injury. But Sexton was a full participant during Lakers’ practice on Monday, trending in […] The post Collin Sexton reveals eye-opening area of focus to bring ‘energy’ to Lakers appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Phoenix Suns strengthen their big man rotation by adding Drew Timme after clearing waivers.
Luka Doncic reveals his thoughts on the Lakers' key additions this summer ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season opener against the Warriors.
Although Dalton Knecht's time with the Lakers has come to an end, Jovan Buha expects him to join an NBA team on a two-way deal.
The Golden State Warriors open the 2026-27 NBA season on Wednesday, Oct. 21 on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers, so in their spare time before then, they made sure to show up and support their in-arena neighbors in the WNBA Finals. Stephen Curry and Yaxel Lendeborg were on hand representing the Warriors for […] The post Stephen Curry, Yaxel Lendeborg catch Valkyries-Dream Game 2 before opening night appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Los Angeles Lakers have waived former No. 17 overall pick Dalton Knecht, ending his two‑year stint and trimming the roster to the NBA’s 15‑player limit. Despite a flash‑forward 37‑point, nine‑three‑pointer game in November 2024 and a rookie average of 9.1 points, his production fell to 4.2 points this season, amid changing team needs and a rescinded February 2025 trade. Coach JJ Redick cites the evolving roster fit, but the article argues the Lakers must explain whether scouting, development, or roster construction caused the first‑round investment to become a preseason cut.
The Lakers had one roster spot left and two 2024 draftmates fighting for it. On Monday, they cut Dalton Knecht, the No. 17 pick from 2024, and kept Bronny James, and the internet had its verdict typed out before the ink was dry. The post Lakers Waive Dalton Knecht After Trade Calls Go Nowhere, and Bronny James Keeps the Last Roster Spot appeared first on Terez Owens .
The Los Angeles Lakers made the somewhat surprising decision to release former first-round pick Dalton Knecht on Monday, per ESPN's Shams Charania, leading to some interesting questions about the rotation heading into the 2026-27 season.
NBA fans have less than 24 hours to study the rosters for the new season.
The Lakers’ new big three have played 13 minutes together. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler finally shared the floor in the preseason finale against Denver, and the Lakers lost 121-106. Opening night against the Warriors is Wednesday. Doncic, though, is not promising a quick fix. “I don’t know how much patience is gonna […] The post “Don’t Know How Much Patience We Need”: Luka Doncic Unsure About Lakers Immediate Future appeared first on EssentiallySports .
Here are four teams that could give Dalton Knecht a fresh start after the Lakers waived the former first-round pick just before Opening Night.
Dalton Kncecht was looked at as a key part of the Lakers' future, but on Monday, the team decided to part ways with the former first-rounder. The post Former Tennessee star Dalton Knecht waived by Los Angeles Lakers appeared first on Saturday Down South .
The Los Angeles Lakers finally locked in their 15 players for this season by releasing Dalton Knecht. How does everyone stack up?
Dalton Knecht's time with the Lakers has come to an end.
After being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers need to jump on Micah Peavy and waive Chris Manon.
The Los Angeles Lakers waive former No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht ahead of the season opener, trimming the roster to the 15‑man limit. After failed trade talks for a big man like Milwaukee’s Jericho Sims, the Lakers opted to cut Knecht outright. Knecht, who posted 9.1 points per game as a rookie and fell to 4.2 points in his second year, now enters waivers; the Charlotte Hornets are rumored as a possible destination. The move solves a numbers issue but leaves the Lakers still seeking front‑court help as they prepare for the regular season.
Dalton Knecht scored 37 points against the Jazz as a rookie. Early that season, he looked like a steal at No. 17 and a possible long-term starter for the Lakers. Two years on, they have waived him. The cut came as the Lakers set their 15-man roster for the regular season. Bronny James, the Lakers’ […] The post Bronny James Survives As Lakers Cut Ties With Former 1st-Round Pick After Multiple Failed Trade Attempts appeared first on EssentiallySports .
The Los Angeles Lakers faced a roster decision ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, with Bronny James surviving the cut as Dalton Knecht was waived.
The Los Angeles Lakers have waived former first-round pick Dalton Knecht as they finalize their roster for the 2026-27 NBA season. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Los Angeles entered the day with 16 players on guaranteed contracts and needed to reduce that number to 15. The team has officially confirmed Knecht’s release. Selected 17th overall […] The post Lakers waive Dalton Knecht appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
The Phoenix Suns have claimed forward Drew Timme off waivers, according to HoopsHype. Timme, a former Gonzaga University standout, joins Phoenix after spending training camp with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6-foot-10 big man has played two NBA seasons, previously appearing for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. Across those two seasons, Timme has averaged […] The post Suns claim Drew Timme off waivers appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
The Los Angeles Lakers mishandled the timing of when to trade Dalton Knecht big-time.