The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to figure out how to trim their roster to 15 players, whether through a trade or by waiving someone. LA has made several moves this offseason to reach this point, but some roster decisions remain unresolved.
There are a few potential candidates, but Dalton Knecht has been widely viewed as the player most likely to be let go. Even before the preseason began, Knecht faced an uphill battle to secure his spot on the roster.
“My assumption is that if they had to make a decision right now, they would not pick up the $6.4 million team-option on Dalton Knecht. He’s got between now and Halloween to change their mind,” Lakers analyst Trevor Lane said.
Ahead of Friday night’s preseason finale, Lakers head coach JJ Redick met with the media and explained why Knecht has found himself on the roster bubble.
“I think the biggest thing is the team changed. The team changed. Needs changed, the fit changed. I think he’s gotten better as a player the last two years. I think, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the injuries we had. I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings and he’s in a tough spot right now,” Redick said.
On Saturday, Los Angeles waived two players, neither of whom was Knecht.
“The Lakers have waived Rafael Castro and Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, the team announced. LAL has a couple more training camp practices remaining before opening the regular season against GSW on Wednesday,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote.
Castro and Tait-Jones were not part of the 16-man roster, meaning Knecht remains on the chopping block and could still be waived. However, the Lakers’ latest moves also suggest they are continuing to explore a potential trade to finalize their roster.
Time is running out for Los Angeles to make a final decision. With the regular season set to begin Wednesday, the Lakers will need to resolve Knecht’s roster situation soon.
