Lakers Waiving Dalton Knecht While Keeping Bronny James Stuns Fans – “Lakers Failed Him”

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick, 38 spots ahead of Bronny James in the 2024 Draft.

Lakers Waiving Dalton Knecht While Keeping Bronny James Stuns Fans – “Lakers Failed Him”

2024 draftees Bronny James and Dalton Knecht (Image via Polymarket Hoops/X)

At one point, fans wanted Dalton Knecht to get more playing time than second-round pick Bronny James, whom they believed was there only because of his father, LeBron James.

Their logic was that, based on how his college career panned out, James Jr. wouldn’t even be selected by any team with the 55th overall pick. He should have stayed in college and developed further.

In fact, some, such as Kendrick Perkins, lost his friendship with James Sr. after he, too, suggested the same. Since then, the two former teammates have not been speaking to each other.

James Jr. went on to face a rough rookie season, while Knecht shined whenever his name was called. Fans felt that it was reality setting in, as a first-round pick is, anyway, better than one who did not deserve a chance in the NBA.

By the second season, the Tennessee alum’s minutes started dropping, and he ended up being glued to the bench. In contrast, Bronny James managed to get more time and even featured in the playoffs.

Entering their third season together, the Lakers were working to retool their roster with the millions LeBron James left behind. However, by doing so, they had enough quality players that either one of the two 2024 draftees would have to go.

They tried looking for a trade partner for both. But once they realised how dry the market interest was for Dalton Knecht, they waived him before the 2026-27 season started.

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Fans fume at Lakers for ‘failing’ Dalton Knecht

During that first season, Dalton Knecht showed enough potential that some other teams were interested in trading for him. The Charlotte Hornets went the extra length to demand he be included in a trade involving Mark Williams.

However, after the Lakers rescinded that trade of the latter’s failed physical, their 17th overall pick was visibly rattled. Fans believe that starting from that botched trade, the organization has ‘failed’ him.

Neither did they make him feel like one of their own. But they also hampered his development. Now, the North Dakota native is left without a job, and the Lakers are the reason for it. Check out examples of those reactions below.

Dalton Knecht might not have had superstar potential. But many felt that the Lakers had won the draft that year because of what he brought to the table. Now, for all of it to go to waste, and for the forward struggling to find a home, is completely on the franchise.

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Dalton Knecht will have to prove his worth again

Now that he has been waived, Dalton Knecht will spend the next 48 hours hoping someone picks him up and gives him a chance. The Lakers had picked up his $4.2 million option last season, which means he will get paid a decent sum, even if he has to wait.

Dalton Knecht will wait to find his next destination
Dalton Knecht will wait to find his next destination (Image via LADEig/X)

The franchise would hope that someone picks Knecht’s deal, so that they can get it off their books. Otherwise, it will sit as dead cap throughout this season. In reality, other teams know that they can sign him for close to half that amount.

Any team looking to add rotational help can use the 6’5″ star’s length and shooting ability. However, Dalton Knecht‘s best chance is with a rebuilding team where he can get to play a few minutes.

Only then can he get the chance to show his true worth. Joining a contender will limit his usage, and he might even be sent down to their respective G League outfit again, which is not an ideal scenario.

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