The Los Angeles Lakers pushed themselves into a roster squeeze this summer, and Dalton Knecht ended up paying the price.
After a flurry of moves left the Lakers over the limit, Knecht had long looked like the likeliest odd man out. That picture only got clearer once training camp rolled around and the roster math turned unfavorable.
Lakers coach JJ Redick pointed to the way the team evolved as the reason Knecht was suddenly in a tough spot.
“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.
The Lakers eventually made it official earlier in the week, waiving the 2024 first-rounder to get their roster down to the required limit. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the move this way: “The Los Angeles Lakers are waiving 2024 No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht, sources tell ESPN,”
Now the question is where Knecht lands next, and one prediction has him heading to Philadelphia.
Wynton Jackson of Knox News believes the 76ers could sign Knecht to a two-way contract, giving him a new runway after his rough spell in Los Angeles. Jackson also tied the idea to LeBron James, noting that James is now with the 76ers for one last title run before he retires.
“Early in Knecht's rookie year with the Lakers, he erupted for 37 points in a win over the Utah Jazz. His teammate, LeBron James, famously criticized opposing NBA teams for allowing the Lakers to draft Knecht at No.
- James is now with the Philadelphia 76ers for one last title run before he retires.
The Sixers have a deeper roster and championship aspirations. However, it's unlikely that James, 41, and the oft-injured 2023 MVP Joel Embiid will play the entire 82-game regular season schedule.
Philadelphia could take a flier on Knecht to step in when its two superstars rest, and his shooting ability could swing a playoff game,” Jackson wrote.
Knecht didn’t get a clean break in Los Angeles, but a new landing spot could change the conversation fast. Philadelphia’s top group would be a hard one to crack, yet there would still be chances for him to prove himself when the roster thins out. For a player trying to show he belongs in the league, that matters.
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