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Lakers Announce Big Development Before NBA Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 11:01 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into a new NBA season with one of the most talented rosters in the NBA, starring LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

James enters his 24th season in the NBA, while Doncic is preparing for his first full season with the Lakers. The NBA star was traded to Los Angeles midseason (2024-25) in a deal that involved Anthony Davis.

As JJ Redick looks to help lead the Lakers in his second season as the head coach of the franchise, Los Angeles announced a roster decision ahead of opening night.

The Lakers are set to play their first game of the season on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors.

Before playing against Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the rest of the squad run by Steve Kerr, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that they have picked up the 2026-27 scale team option for Dalton Knecht.

NBA reporter Keith Smith explained that Knecht will be on the Lakers' payroll for $4.2 million next season.

The Los Angeles Lakers have picked up the 2026-27 rookie scale team option for Dalton Knecht, a league source told @spotrac.

Knecht will be on the Lakers books at $4.2M for next season.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 21, 2025

Knecht is heading into his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers drafted him in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft. While he was set to make an immediate impact for JJ Redick, Knecht's rookie season was a rollercoaster for Los Angeles.

Knecht finished last season averaging 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game.