Lakers release former first-round pick ahead of opening night

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Lakers release former first-round pick ahead of opening night

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Oct 19, 2026 5:47 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers had a decision to make to finalize the roster, and it came on Monday.

Dalton Knecht, who was the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2024, has been released, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The Los Angeles Lakers are waiving 2024 No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/SaeDxdSBUo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2026

The Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies, along with LA, were the three teams left that had to get to the 15-player mark before Monday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline.

Knecht was one of a couple of players that was identified as a trade candidate, and he was then named as the “odd man out” in October, so it’s not a huge surprise to see him finally be released.

At the 2025 deadline, Knecht was set to go to the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that would’ve brought center Mark Williams to LA. However, the trade didn’t end up going through due to medicals, and Knecht never found a rhythm after that.

Knecht was selected at No. 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft after he played for the Tennessee Volunteers, and he will now be eligible to sign with another team once he clears waivers.

The Lakers begin the 2026-27 NBA season on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif.

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