Dalton Knecht getting waived proves the Lakers are changing their standards

In one of the more precedented moves before their regular season begins, the Los Angeles Lakers finally dropped the hammer on Dalton Knecht, waiving their 2024 first-round pick as their roster squeeze forced them into parting ways with one player. 

That being said, the front office showing Knecht the way out is much more than just mere compliance with league rules. If anything, this decision is pretty indicative of the Lakers finally changing their standards when it comes to bringing in and keeping players as the franchise aims to keep its footing in the Western Conference.

Dalton Knecht ouster shows that the Lakers are finally veering away from one-way role players

The Lakers have drawn a lot of flak in recent years for their tendency to bring in players who are not known for being at least passable contributors on both offense and defense. 

From D'Angelo Russell to Jarred Vanderbilt, the front office seemed to have a penchant for those who can play defense but are liabilities on offense, or those who are good offensive players but tout little to no defensive acuity.

Knecht, who had struggled with his shot while also being negligible as a defender, fits perfectly into that description. The first half of his rookie campaign was pretty encouraging at large, but since that botched trade, it simply felt like the sharpshooter lost all his edge on both ends.

The Lakers are led up top by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, two stars who can be unstoppable on offense but are infamously known for being bad defenders. 

The ethos behind those two leading the franchise can be questioned, but now that such is the status quo, the least that their front office can do is to ensure that they are surrounded by players who can help give them relief on offense while being competent on defense.

As such, the decision to cut ties with Knecht reflects an overdue awareness on the part of the Lakers to be more careful with building the roster.