​MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 02: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center on December 02, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 13: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after his made three-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on November 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) GettyLos Angeles, California November 13, 2024-Lakers Dalton Knecht talks with head coach JJ Redick at Crypto.com Arena Wednesday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) GettyHeading into his third NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers, former first-round pick Dalton Knecht might not be on the roster much longer, as reports grow of the 25-year-old being atop the trade list or the chopping block to be waived before the start of the team’s 2026-27 campaign.Knecht has had a messy tenure to start his career in Los Angeles, and as he’s never been fully able to break into head coach JJ Redick’s rotation, his time with the Lakers looks like it is coming to an end.The Lakers are reportedly eyeing a trade for a new backup center, one in which Knecht is expected to be included. However, if they can’t make a deal work, the shooting guard is likely to be the final roster cut as the team gets down to the 15-man limit set by the NBA before the season begins.Dalton Knecht Lakers Future All But Sealed Amid Trade Rumors, Talks On Roster CutsGettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 13: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after his made three-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on November 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Speaking on the latest episode of his show about the potential of the Lakers making a trade very soon, team insider Jovan Buha said he believes it’s likely Knecht or Jaden Hardy who won’t be on the roster in the next few weeks, but giving the nod to the former.“And depending on the configuration of the trade, it could be a version of two of the back-end guys, let’s say Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy, for a backup center,” he said. “I would say Dalton and Hardy are probably the two guys they’re looking to get off of. If they can’t, then they have to waive one of them. And I think at this point, Hardy is more established. He’s previously played with Luka on that Finals team in 2024, and I think Dalton would