The Los Angeles Lakers have had a transitional summer. LeBron James’ departure immediately set off a wave of roster moves.
The Lakers’ current roster count is above the NBA-mandated limit, meaning they’ll have to move some players before the season starts in October.
Immediately, names like Dalton Knecht and Bronny James pop into mind. Both players were selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, with Knecht selected in the first round. Meanwhile James, who has been linked to the Philadelphia 76ers after his father signed with the team, could be on the trade block. It has been reported, however, that the 21-year-old guard isn’t viewed as an immediate trade asset by the Lakers.
According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, with the team needing to trim its roster, the team’s decision could come down to three players, including James and Knecht.
Lakers Expected to Move on from 2024 Draft Pick
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 28: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to Dalton Knecht #4 during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Although James has been linked in rampant trade speculation, his contract for next season is already guaranteed, so his exit is not necessarily imminent. Meanwhile, Knecht, who was selected No. 17 overall in the 2024 draft, could be the first in line to go.
“I guess it’s a competition between Bronny, Jaden Hardy and Dalton. I think I’d probably lean Dalton.”
Entering the 2025-26 season, Knecht had considerably higher expectations than James, his draftmate. Knecht, 25, was a part of the Lakers rotation before he quickly began slipping out of it. By midseason, it became clear that the Lakers viewed Knecht as a reserve for mop up minutes.
James, meanwhile, showed some improvement from his rookie season.
“My understanding is that the Lakers do value Bronny,” said Lakers analyst Trevor Lane. “They like the trajectory that he is on. And I don’t think there is this urgency to necessarily move on from him just because his name is LeBron James Jr.”
After James’ father signed with the Sixers this offseason, Lakers insider Khobi Price reported that the franchise views James prospect with upside and not someone who is in immediate trade talks.
“If the team signing LeBron is also looking to acquire Bronny, they would likely need to send the Lakers a real asset as part of a trade,” Price wrote. “Bronny is well-liked throughout multiple levels of the organization.”
L.A. to Wave Goodbye to Knecht?
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 05: Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warrior during the second half in the California Classic summer league game at Chase Center on July 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
If the odd man out is decided between Knecht and James, it would make sense for the Lakers to retain James, who is four years younger and has time to show his long-term upside
“Frankly, it’s unfortunate, but Bronny was better than Dalton last year. And it wasn’t particularly close,” Lane said. “… I think there’s a world where the Lakers could waive Dalton Knecht … I think there’s a world where waiving Dalton Knecht makes the most sense.”
Added Lane: “Let’s face it, if Dalton Knecht doesn’t bounce back next year, there’s a chance he’s not playing in the NBA next season.”
Knecht, who was well-regarded for his shooting ability entering the NBA, might be due for a change of scenery already. The guard averaged just four points in 10 minutes per game last season. Those numbers were down from nine points in 19 minutes per game in his rookie season.
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