Los Angeles Lakers to Cut this Key Player?

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Los Angeles Lakers to Cut this Key Player?

Originally posted on TWSN | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Oct 5, 2026 8:02 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers to Cut this Key Player?

Two seasons in, and it’s still hard to make any judgment surrounding Bronny James. Despite getting a slight bump to his minutes, his numbers have been subpar. He remains the third-string point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. But with his famous father out of the picture, will the 21-year-old finally take a leap in year three?

Truth be told, there’s potential in Bronny. While a bit undersized at point guard, he has shown his craft in limited minutes. That’s arguably the reason why coach JJ Redick continuously provides opportunities for him. He definitely sees something in his young floor general.

However, there’s a bit of a problem in LA right now. The team has 16 guaranteed deals, one more from the league’s limit of 15. That may put a risk on James Jr.’s career with the Lakers.

Lakers Expected To Keep Bronny James, May Cut Dalton Knecht

Three players on guaranteed deals are reportedly going to compete for the final roster spot for Los Angeles. They are Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, and Jaden Hardy.

But according to a New York Post report, Dalton Knecht is the most likely to be cut.

Dalton Knecht is not expected to make the Lakers’ roster, per @nypost

“Not a good sign for Dalton Knecht, whom multiple rival executives expect 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.”… pic.twitter.com/2FVR7AvAcJ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 2, 2026

Many analysts and scouts considered Knecht a top-10 prospect in 2024. But when he fell out of the lottery, the Lakers quickly selected him at the 17th spot in the first round of the draft.

And LA looked like a perfect fit, too, at least on paper. The team badly needed shooting, and Knecht was a specialist from downtown. During his rookie year, Knecht had some success with the team. He once scored 37 points in a regular-season game, draining a league-tying rookie record nine threes.

However, he has fallen out of favor with coach Redick in his sophomore campaign. After appearing in 78 games in his first season, Knecht only appeared in 54 games in his second year. Unsurprisingly, his numbers have dropped as well. Despite having a guaranteed deal, the 25-year-old faces the risk of getting cut.

If this happens, it will become a sad chapter for the former Tennessee standout. Knecht was once considered a draft-day steal in 2024.

This article first appeared on TWSN and was syndicated with permission.

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