LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles Lakers Guard tops a list of players facing early roster uncertainty as front offices prepare for opening night across the league per Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints. Former first round selection Dalton Knecht finds himself in a precarious position as rotation spots solidify around him during October preparations. Intense action throughout training camp has forced coaches to make difficult evaluations on fringe rotation pieces who are battling for the remaining bench slots. For Los Angeles, the numbers game is creating a logjam that could lead to a surprising release before the regular season even begins.
Lakers Guard Tops List as Roster Crunch Arrives
This should come as no surprise given how little Knecht has improved since that hot run in 2024. According to Jovan Buha, every active player on the squad has a defined role except Dalton Knecht. The coaching staff has already mapped out specific pathways for almost the entire group during recent team practices. With the front office needing to slim down the roster to fifteen guaranteed contracts before opening night, the lack of a clear role leaves the talented young sharpshooter on thin ice.
Knechting the Dots in the Rotation
What makes this situation particularly intriguing is how the rest of the backcourt is taking shape under the current coaching scheme. Surprisingly, Bronny James and Jaden Hardy have secured definite roles running the offense when Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sit on the bench. The coaching staff clearly trusts their abilities to run the offense smoothly during non starter minutes. That clarity leaves very little room for an off ball scoring threat who is still hasn’t figured out how to play defense consistently or effectively.
Redick Keeps the Faith in the Gym
Despite the intense speculation surrounding his roster standing, head coach JJ Redick offered a supportive perspective during recent media availability after day 3 of training camp. Speaking to Khobi Price of The California Post, Redick praised the third year wing for his relentless work ethic throughout the fall session. Redick emphasized that Dalton Knecht has maintained an exemplary mindset while fighting for his place in the lineup during Training Camp practice.
”First of all, he’s been a pro. He’s been in the gym. Like he has since Day 1, he has worked his butt off all offseason. And he’s had a good three days of practice. So I don’t think his approach changes. I know he’s hungry to play and hungry to earn a spot in the rotation.”
While the roster math remains undeniably tight, hearing JJ Redick publicly validate his effort shows that the young wing is still putting up a fierce battle to earn his minutes before opening night.
Around the League Roster Trims
Los Angeles is not the only franchise making tough decisions before the regular season tips off across the country. Elsewhere around the league, veteran wing Caris LeVert is also on the list of potential roster cuts as teams navigate cap constraints. Seeing Caris LeVert mentioned alongside young prospects highlights the tough decisions front offices face across the NBA landscape. With the NBA Preseason winding down, time is running out for bubble players to secure a guaranteed roster spot. Other players at risk of getting cut soon include: Cam Christie (Clippers), Kris Murray, Jordan Hawkins (Grizzlies), Dwight Powell (Mavericks), Pat Connaughton (Hornets).
The Final Whistle on Roster Decisions
It is not one hundred percent certain yet, but the writing appears to be on the wall for the franchise moving forward. If the front office decides to waive Dalton Knecht to get the roster down to fifteen before opening night, it won’t be the most surprising move of the fall period.
The coming days will reveal whether the front office ultimately makes the cut or finds an alternative trade scenario to preserve the asset before games begin. GM Rob Pelinka recently stated that the team were on the phone looking for a 2-for-1 consolidation trade to get the number down to 15 before opening night. At the moment, Knecht’s name is more likely to be seen in waiver wire than on the trade wire.
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