Dalton Knecht Fighting For Lakers Spot

Dalton Knecht could be fighting for his Lakers spot less than two years after Los Angeles drafted him 17th overall in 2024. Khobi Price of the California Post reported multiple rival executives expect Knecht to be the odd man out as the Lakers cut from 16 standard contracts to the 15-player limit. Jaden Hardy is his main competition. Hardy joined the Lakers in the Deandre Ayton trade and averaged 9.2 points last season. JJ Redick said Knecht has had a “good three days of practice” and is “hungry to earn a spot in the rotation.” The preseason opener is Monday at Sacramento, with Opening Day rosters due Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. ET.