The Lakers’ offseason push has left them in an awkward spot: improved on paper, but one player over the NBA’s roster limit.
Los Angeles has been busy reworking the group around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and the early headline move was landing Walker Kessler in what became a major acquisition. But the front office still has a housekeeping problem to solve. With 16 players on the roster, the Lakers need to clear space before the season gets rolling, even though teams can carry up to 20 through training camp in October.
“There are, however, obvious holes. With 16 roster spots, the Lakers would need to get rid of at least one player, though they can carry as many as 20 through training camp in October," Heavy.com's Sean Deveney wrote.
For now, the Lakers are exploring the trade market before they get forced into a tougher call. Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt have both come up as possible trade pieces, and Los Angeles has some extra flexibility after adding two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton deal.
“The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks. After gaining two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade, Los Angeles could consolidate those assets in a deal immediately for a starting-caliber wing," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
If the Lakers can’t find a trade partner and have to trim the roster down to 15, one name may stand out above the rest. Lakers insider Jovan Buha said former first-round pick Dalton Knecht looks like the likeliest player to be moved on from.
“It doesn't really matter from a financial perspective unless you're waiving someone who's got additional years. So, I guess it's a competition between Bronny, Jaden Hardy, and Dalton Knecht.
I think I'd probably lean Dalton," Buha said." If any of the other wings get injured, it's just play one of the other wings more minutes, and it's not put Dalton in the rotation.
So, he's the one that's the most expendable."
Knecht was originally part of a deal involving the Charlotte Hornets before the trade was ultimately rescinded and he returned to Los Angeles.
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