The Lakers will waive former first-round pick Kennecott before the season opener.

The Los Angeles Lakers officially announced the release of guard Dalton Kneckert on Monday. This roster change comes just two days before the team's 2026-27 regular season opener and occurs on the eve of the league's final roster deadline.

Previously, the Lakers entered training camp with an excess roster and needed to reduce their official player count to the 15-man limit before the start of the regular season. With Kneckert's departure, Bronny James and Jaden Hardy are confirmed for the Lakers' season opener roster.

Kneckert was selected by the Lakers with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he averaged 19 minutes per game, contributing 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds.

Although the Lakers attempted to trade Kneckert to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams before the 2025 trade deadline, the trade was canceled because Williams failed his physical. Last season, Kneckert's playing time decreased to around 10 minutes, and his scoring average dropped to 4.2 points per game.

During training camp, the Lakers tried to trade the shooter who had two years left on his contract (totaling $18.4 million over four years), but the market response was lukewarm and no buyers were found. The management ultimately chose to lay him off.

The Lakers will begin their new season on Wednesday at home against the Golden State Warriors, marking J.J. Redick's third season as head coach. With LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason, the team is currently built around Luka Doncic. Free agent Kenneth Knecker will be looking for his next destination.

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