Lakers fans thought they had a steal. For the first 19 games of Dalton Knecht's NBA career, in the 2024-25 season, the rookie out of Tennessee thrived on the LeBron James/Anthony Davis Lakers, averaging 12.2 points per game, shooting 43.9% from 3-point range, and he already had started seven games.
Things looked very different that season after Luka Doncic's arrival changed the Lakers' dynamic. Knecht's defensive struggles were an issue, and after the All-Star break he averaged 8.4 points a game as his minutes dropped. Last season, in 54 games, he averaged 4.2 points a night and he shot 34.2% from beyond the arc.
Facing a roster crunch to get down to 15 players before the start of the season, the Lakers waived Knecht on Monday. He is now a free agent.
Knecht deserves a chance elsewhere in the league, somewhere he can regain the swagger he had early. Redick talked this preseason about how Knecht has improved each season with the Lakers, but with the offense built around Doncic and his strengths, the team's wing needs have changed.
Two other players of note waived on Monday at the roster cutdown deadline:
• Milwaukee waived guard Kevin Porter Jr., who averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game last season, playing 38 games. • Memphis waived Walter Clayton Jr., the Florida star who was the No. 18 pick in the 2025 draft. In 69 games split between Utah and Memphis as a rookie, he averaged 7.8 points and four assists per game, while shooting 30.7% from 3.
So when Stephen Curry, their 38-year-old superstar, suffered a non-contact lower leg injury during an open practice Sunday, Oct. 18, there was a deep gasp from nearly everyone in attendance at the Chase Center. Curry limped off the court and went back into the locker room after tweaking his ankle.
With the NBA regular season just about ready to tip off, the Warriors will hit the road for their season opener, traveling to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Wednesday, Oct. 21 (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN).
Ahead of their season-opening contest, the Warriors shared the latest on Curry and whether or not he'll be available to go against the Lakers:
Steph Curry injury update
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed reporters following Sunday's practice. Kerr said he spoke to Curry after practice when he initially injured his ankle and Curry told him it was fine.
Curry made a normal move on the wing when it appeared his footing slipped an his ankle twisted.
A Warriors spokesperson told USA TODAY that Curry suffered a moderate ankle sprain, however the team doesn't expect the injury to keep him down.
Steph Curry availability status in season-opener vs Lakers
Curry is expected to be able to play in Golden State's season opener against the Lakers on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Kerr said.
Kerr told reporters on Monday, Oct. 19 that Curry is fine following the injury scare. He added that Curry was a full participant during Monday's practice.
"I'm always concerned when Steph limps off but I went down and checked on him and he told me immediately that he was fine," Kerr said.
INGLEWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 14: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks embraces Derrick Jones Jr. #55 of the LA Clippers after the game on October 14, 2024 at Intuit Dome 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Mavericks chose not to extend Dereck Lively II before the rookie-scale extension deadline, meaning he will enter restricted free agency after the 2026-27 season if Dallas does not work out a new deal beforehand.
On the surface, that may look surprising.
Lively was awesome as a rookie. He immediately looked like the kind of center Dallas could build around long term, finishing lobs, protecting the rim, and becoming a massive part of a team that eventually went to the NBA Finals. He made the All-Rookie team and looked like one of the best picks of the 2023 draft.
The problem is that he has barely been available since.
Lively played 36 games in 2024-25 and only seven last season before undergoing season-ending foot surgery. He is entering this season still working his way back and remains out at the start of the year.
That is really what this decision comes down to.
The Mavericks know how good Lively can be when he is healthy. We have already seen it. But giving a player a three-, four-, or five-year contract after so little basketball over the last two seasons is a completely different bet.
There is also a risk on the other side.
If Lively gets healthy, plays 65 games, and looks like the guy Dallas thought it drafted, the Mavericks may regret not locking him up now. A healthy 22-year-old center who protects the rim, finishes everything around the basket, and has already proven he can play in the Finals will have a market. Dallas could have bought him low before his value rebounds.
Instead, they are essentially betting that waiting is worth the risk.
The good news is that Lively will be a restricted free agent, not unrestricted. Dallas can match an outside offer and retain him even if another team comes with a large contract. That doesn’t mean it will be cheap, but it means the Mavericks aren’t risking losing him for nothing.
I understand the decision.
I also understand why it could look bad eventually.
Lively has already shown what he can be when healthy. The problem is that “when healthy” has become the most important part of every conversation about him.
For now, Dallas is making him prove it again before committing to him long term.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 08: Bilal Coulibaly #0 of the Washington Wizards dribbles during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 08, 2026 in New York City. The Wizards won 111-109. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The deadline has passed for the Washington Wizards and Bilal Coulibaly to reach a rookie-scale contract extension, which means the 22-year-old wing will enter restricted free agency this summer.
Washington selected Coulibaly with the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He was the first selection made by Will Dawkins, who traded up one slot to secure the high-upside wing.
Dawkins had previously extended Deni Avdija in October 2023 and Corey Kispert in 2024. It appears he won’t do the same for Coulibaly.
Coulibaly averaged 11.7 points and 4.3 rebounds last season. His 86.5-inch wingspan, which ranks in the 99th percentile among NBA guards, allows him to disrupt passing lanes and deny shots. His 1.3 steals, 1.0 blocks and 3.1 deflections per game all ranked in the 90th percentile or better at his position last season.
Coulibaly’s ability to defend the opponent’s top offensive threat propelled him to a starting role during his second and third NBA seasons.
In two games against the Milwaukee Bucks last season, Coulibaly held Giannis Antetokounmpo to just 13 points on 5-13 FG. Antetokounmpo scored 46 points on 17-25 FG against all other Wizards defenders.
“[Bilal] is super valuable to our team. Starting with the defensive presence that he brings to our team, that’s a really unique skill,” Keefe said. “He has been a game changer for us. He embraces that role, and then he has the ability to put pressure on the rim in a lot of different ways: cutting, offensive rebounding, attacking the basket. He brings something that we need on our roster, and that’s someone we can play on the other team’s best players. And that is a super valuable guy to have. We’re thrilled that he’s here.”
The Wizards open the 2026-27 season at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Capital One Arena against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Charlotte already placed a big bet on Brandon Miller when they traded away LaMelo Ball this summer. Now they have put their money down on that bet.
Miller and the Hornets have agreed to a five-year, $209 million rookie contract extension, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN.
This is big money from Charlotte — it's more than the Pistons gave All-NBA center Jalen Duren (five years, $200 million) and $1 million more over five years than the Rockets gave All-Defensive team member Amen Thompson. It is the second-largest rookie extension given out this offseason, trailing only the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama.
It's money well spent if Miller can become a cornerstone of a competitive Charlotte team in future years. Miller, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is capable of being that guy: A three-level scorer who averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, while shooting 38.3% from 3-point range last season. He is also an improved and respectable defender.
If Miller, 23, is going to live up to this contract, he needs to be more physical and put more pressure on the rim. He also needs to limit turnovers — he has a 12.5% turnover rate each of the past two seasons.
The Hornets are going to need even more from Miller to start this coming season. Second-year star Kon Knueppel missed all of the preseason with a hamstring issue, while new point guard Coby White has also missed time with a calf strain. No official word yet on either player's status for the Hornets' season opener against the Nets, but even if one or both play, they will have to be eased into the rotation for a stretch.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Drew Timme #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 10, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
You thought the Phoenix Suns were done making moves? You thought wrong! After waiving both Kobe Brea and CJ Huntley earlier today, the Suns have claimed former Gonzaga standout Drew Timme off waivers.
The Phoenix Suns have claimed Drew Timme off waivers, league sources told @hoopshype. The former Gonzaga star has averaged 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds in two NBA seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. Timme was in training camp with the Minnesota Timberwolves. pic.twitter.com/53q6A1bYo2
Timme is entering his third year in the league, having previously spent time with the Brooklyn Nets and, most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers. In nine games with Brooklyn during the 2024–25 season, he averaged 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds. Last season with the Lakers, he appeared in 27 games, averaging 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 8.7 minutes per contest. He was on an Exhibit 10 contract with the Timberwolves this preseason. The team waived him.
For his NBA career, Timme is shooting 49.4% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
He spent four seasons at Gonzaga, playing alongside the likes of Chet Holmgren, Andrew Nembhard, Corey Kispert, and Jalen Suggs. While he developed into one of the more recognizable players in college basketball, perimeter shooting was never a significant part of his game; he connected on just 25% of his three-point attempts during his collegiate career. After going undrafted in 2023, Timme spent much of the past two seasons bouncing around the G League, earning All-NBA G League Second Team honors twice.
He’s a highly skilled power forward who brings passing ability, a capable defensive presence, and a nice shooting touch around the basket. His perimeter shooting remains a work in progress, but there’s enough versatility in his offensive game to make him an intriguing addition.
According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, it appears Timme will occupy the final two-way contract slot that became available following the departures of Huntley and Brea.
Suns have claimed him just waiting to hear from the league that they got him. He would be the third two-way player and add some depth to the roster. https://t.co/yhxeAPQiEH
Timme is a 6’9” power forward who recently turned 26 and carries the nickname “Union President.” From a two-way contract perspective, it’s clear that the Phoenix Suns are prioritizing skill and size over shooting, as both Brea and Huntley possess the ability to stretch the floor.
And that’s what makes this move interesting. The Suns are using their final two-way spot on a player who offers size, passing, and interior scoring rather than another perimeter shooter. Timme still has plenty to prove at the NBA level, but his G League production and offensive skill set give Phoenix another developmental option worth exploring. With the regular season approaching, the Suns are making their final adjustments, and Timme now has an opportunity to show he belongs in the organization’s plans.
Lakers forward Dalton Knecht stands on the court during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 7 at Crypto.com Arena. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The Lakers waived former first-round pick Dalton Knecht on Monday to reach the NBA’s maximum roster requirements before the season begins this week.
The 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft had fallen out of the rotation in the last two seasons but had a chance to prove himself during training camp and the preseason, when the Lakers had 16 players on guaranteed contracts. Knecht, who averaged 4.2 points per game and 10.2 minutes per game last season, played just 14 combined minutes in the last two preseason games.
Knecht’s role had greatly diminished since he flashed his scoring potential as a rookie. After scoring 37 points in a win over the Utah Jazz in November 2024 and tying the single-game rookie record with nine made three-pointers, Knecht looked as if he could have been the steal of the draft. But after a trade to Charlotte for center Mark Williams was rescinded, Knecht never settled back into the rotation.
The Lakers brought in nine new players during an offseason roster overhaul, further burying Knecht on the forward depth chart.
“The team changed,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said of Knecht ahead of the Lakers’ preseason finale last Friday. “The needs changed, the fit changed. I think he got better as a player over the last two years.”
The Lakers looked into acquiring center Jericho Sims from the Milwaukee Bucks during the preseason in exchange for Knecht, sources close to the situation but not authorized to speak publicly told The Times. But talks broke down when the Lakers were unwilling to part with multiple second-round draft picks.
The Lakers, who wanted to solidify their backup center position behind Walker Kessler, have only three second-round draft picks (2031, 2032 and 2033) available to trade. They already don’t control their first-round pick until 2032 after sending two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to Utah to acquire Kessler this summer.
Knecht was given an “excused absence” from practice Monday, Redick said. The deadline for teams to reach the maximum of 15 standard contract players was 2 p.m. PDT Monday before regular-season games begin Tuesday. The Lakers open their season Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena against the Golden State Warriors.
Redick also said guard Bronny James was excused from practice, noting there were players who were “under the weather.” The third-year guard who was picked 55th overall in the same draft as Knecht remained on the Lakers’ updated roster.
James worked his way into the postseason rotation last season while the Lakers were struggling with injuries to their backcourt. He averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists during the regular season while shooting 38.6% from three.
Injury update
Lakers guard Collin Sexton speaks during the team's media day in El Segundo on Sept. 28. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
For the first time since training camp started, Collin Sexton was a full participant in practice with the Lakers on Monday. Still, Sexton wasn’t ready to fully commit to playing in the Lakers’ season-opener Wednesday.
Sexton missed all five preseason games and a lot of practices with a lower right leg injury.
Sexton, who said he felt good at practice, was asked about playing against the Warriors.
“We’ll be taking it day by day,” he said. “At the end of the day, I had a really good practice today, felt good. Super excited to be back out there with the guys, so I look forward to it.”
Sexton said he had some “tightness and stuff” in his lower leg, “but I feel pretty good.”
“Nothing particular,” Sexton said. “I think we figured it out and now we’re just moving forward and just continue to get these reps in, continue to play five on five, and get out there as soon as possible.”
Sexton is a 6-1 point guard the Lakers signed to back up Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the backcourt. The Lakers signed him to a two-year, $19.2-million deal.
“He’s another guy that can bring the ball up and can create his own [mismatch],” Doncic said. “So we’re excited to have him back.”
Second-year forward Adou Thiero and rookie guard Cameron Carr both missed practice Monday.
But having Sexton back was a good sign for the Lakers.
“It felt good, super excited to be back out there, honestly, just getting out there and getting up and down, legs felt a little heavy, but it was great,” Sexton said. “It was definitely a great day, great practice for the team as well, and the guys were really competing.”
No question Madison Square Garden will live up to its moniker as the Mecca of Basketball Tuesday night when Jalen Brunson and the Knicks raise a championship banner and then take the court against LeBron James and the 76ers.
New York enters the season with much of the core that powered last year's title run intact, led by Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The lone casualty of the offseason was Mitchell Robinson who signed with the Celtics as a free agent this past offseason. Andre Drummond signed as a free agent to help fill the void left by the fan-favorite Robinson. Philadelphia arrives with arguably the league's most dramatically revamped roster. The Sixers spent the summer reshaping the franchise around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, acquiring Jaylen Brown and signing LeBron James, while also adding Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The roster overhaul came at the expense of Paul George (Celtics), Quentin Grimes (Lakers), Kelly Oubre Jr. (Pacers) and the aforementioned Drummond.
For the 76ers, the biggest storyline is how do all these stars on their roster play together? It is a lot of mouths to feed, and we have not even mentioned VJ Edgecombe. On paper, the lineup offers plenty of scoring and improved perimeter defense. There are definite questions with the collective defense in the lane, though. An even greater concern, however, exists in the areas of health and age. Embiid's durability is and always will be under the microscope. He came to camp lighter and in better shape, but his health and subsequent minutes are certainly something to monitor as the season unfolds. One of LeBron James’ superpowers has been his health, but as he begins Season 24 at age 41, it is a fair concern.
The Knicks, meanwhile, are attempting to become the first team to repeat as NBA champions in nearly a decade. While their offseason was relatively quiet compared to Philadelphia's, New York focused on retaining depth pieces, re-signing Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet and Mohamed Diawara while adding the aforementioned veteran center Andre Drummond from Philly. That roster continuity should be a major strength for New York so long as the Knicks are not still basking in last year’s accolades. It is difficult to believe a Brunson-led team will be complacent, though.
The Sixers are expecting the season opener will offer a glimmer of what this revamped lineup can produce while the Knicks are looking to make the statement that they plan to place another banner in the rafters come June at The Mecca of Basketball.
Lets take a closer look at the matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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76ers vs. Knicks: Game Details and How to Watch
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 7:00PM EST
Site: Madison Square Garden
City: New York, NY
Network/Streaming: NBC
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76ers vs. Knicks: Odds
The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Philadelphia 76ers (+150), New York Knicks (-180)
Spread: Knicks -4.5
Total: 232.5 points
Money has come in on the Knicks that has pushed the line from where it opened – Knicks -3.5. The Total has also bee bet up three points from where it opened - 229.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
76ers vs. Knicks: Expected Starting Lineups
Philadelphia 76ers (2025-26 Scoring Average)
PG Tyrese Maxey (28.3PPG)
SG VJ Edgecombe (16.0PPG)
C Joel Embiid (26.9PPG)
SF Jaylen Brown (28.7PPG)
PF LeBron James (20.9PPG)
New York Knicks (2025-26 Scoring Average)
PG Jalen Brunson (26.0PPG)
SG Mikal Bridges (14.4PPG)
C Karl-Anthony Towns (20.1PPG)
SF Josh Hart (12.0PPG)
PF OG Anunoby (16.7PPG)
76ers vs. Knicks: Injury Report
76ers
Dominick Barlow (back) is a game-time decision
Dean Wade (ankle) is a game-time decision
Adem Bona (foot) is a game-time decision
Anfernee Simons (hamstring) is a game-time decision
Tacko Fall (hip) is a game-time decision
Knicks
Josh Hart (ankle) is a game-time decision
Rotoworld Bet Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday’s game between the Knicks and the 76ers:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the 76ers +4.5
Total: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 232.5
The best bet on this board is Philadelphia +4.5. This is the rare spot where the market has priced the defending champions on reputation and banner-night emotion rather than the actual matchup on the floor — and the number has drifted into a range that makes the road dog the clear play. The gap between these teams is more narrow than the spread suggests. Philadelphia's defense was quietly disruptive last season — 4th in blocks (5.7 per game) and 6th in steals (9.1 per game) — and they got to the line at a Top 6 rate (20.1 free throws made per game). Against a Knicks team that ranked 29th in blocks, Philly should be able to get to the line. The Knicks' edge is efficiency, and it's real. But Philadelphia's 6th-ranked free-throw rate and 6th-ranked turnover percentage (13.5) mean they generate points without needing to shoot well from the field — exactly the profile that keeps a road dog within a handful of points.
76ers vs. Knicks: Top Player Props
LeBron James OVER Points + Assists Over 23.5 (-103)
LeBron is going to have the ball in his hands, and the volume is there. James’ hit the Over 74.29% of the time in 35 road games last season, averaging 28.31 points + assists. Against a Knicks team that ranked 29th in blocks and lost Mitchell Robinson, James should have room to operate in the paint and at the elbow.
VJ Edgecombe Rebounds Over 4.5 (-125)
This is the cleanest volume play on the board, and it's built on a matchup that plays directly into Edgecombe's strengths. The matchup is a gift. The Knicks ranked 29th in blocks (3.9 per game) last season and as noted, are now without Robinson, their best interior defender. Against a New York frontcourt that's now relying on Drummond and Towns, Edgecombe's athleticism on the glass should translate to extra possessions. His 68.97% season hit rate, and 68.18% visitor hit rate confirm this is a consistent part of his game.
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Grant Nelson, Chaney Johnson, Jordi Fernández, Brooklyn Nets, NetsDaily Graphic
There are only so many spots available on any NBA roster. That’s especially true for a young team like the Brooklyn Nets — average age 24.31 years, with rookie contracts accounting for eight of their 15 standard deals.
That’s why Summer League, training camp, and the preseason are so valuable for those Exhibit 10 and two-way players hoping to make their way up the totem pole. For Exhibit 10’s, the goal could be to show enough to eventually earn a two-way spot, while those already on two-way deals look to prove they deserve a standard contract.
As Chaney Johnson and Grant Nelson enter their second year with the Nets organization, and their first full seasons on two-way contracts, proving themselves is exactly what they sought to do all offseason.
Both have a different, tougher background than many of their teammates. They are natives of small town America — Johnson from Alabaster, Alabama, Nelson from Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. They were passed over by big schools, winding up at smaller schools, the University of Alabama at Huntsville and North Dakota State before, ironically, joining rivals Auburn and Alabama.
Now, even after going undrafted, they’ve almost made it as NBA two-ways. The problem, however, is that with so many young players and established veterans competing for minutes on a team now looking to win, playing time is already limited.
Regardless of the minutes available, Johnson and Nelseon have done everything they can to show Sean Marks 7 organization they can perform at the NBA level.
Chaney Johnson
Let’s start with Johnson, 24, who has, quite literally, done just about everything the Nets could have asked of him since joining the organization as a two-way in December.
After starting his college career at Division II University of Alabama Huntsville, going undrafted out of Auburn, and spending time with the Cleveland Cavaliers on an Exhibit 10 deal, Johnson made an immediate impact in the G League for the Nets.
Across 24 outings for Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, he averaged 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals before earning an opportunity to contribute in Brooklyn late in the season. He capitalized on that end-of-season chance, averaging 8.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in 17 games, while playing with grit and competitiveness. That’s the fire Jordi Fernández loves to see in his players.
That continued into Summer League, where he led the Las Vegas portion in steals, and most recently, the preseason, which wrapped up on Wednesday. What stands out about Johnson is that he does the dirty work. He crashes the boards and has even held his own at the center position despite being just 6’7” and change, a byproduct of knowing how to use his physicality to his advantage.
Johnson also seems to have emerged as a favorite in the team’s locker room, largely because of his relentless work ethic. Speaking with reporters during the preseason, Egor Dëmin had some high praise for the Alabaman.
“[Chaney] is the hardest working guy in the gym,” he said. “He’s going to develop into a [standard] contract at some point. He’s going to be amazing. I’m glad to have him as a teammate. He does the work that not many people want to do on the court. And he’s grateful for having that opportunity. I think that’s rare and I appreciate him a lot.”
Asked Egor Demin about Chaney Johnson last night:
“[Chaney] is the hardest working guy in the gym… He’s going to develop into a [standard] contract at some point. He’s going to be amazing. I'm glad to have him as a teammate. He does the work that not many people want to do on… https://t.co/cqYfD4yxNfpic.twitter.com/83jbQELEKi
With defensive concerns, particularly in the frontcourt this season, someone like Johnson, who brings a kind of defensive intensity, could be valuable. Johnson’s work so far may indeed warrant a standard contract. The issue, though, is finding room for him.
The Nets already have 15 players on standard deals, and it doesn’t look like they’ll make any cuts from that group. Eight of their 15 players on standard deals are still on rookie contracts, while the others are veteran locks to make the roster when it’s finalized at day’s end.
That leaves Johnson in a tough spot. The numbers just don’t work in his favor for a standard deal. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds his way into Brooklyn’s rotation this season, especially with injuries. Keep in mind, two-way players can dress for 50 NBA games before they need to be converted to standard contracts.
Johnson told ND last season that his ambitions are lofty, but considering where he’s come from, one shouldn’t dismiss them.
“I want to be one of the better players in the NBA,” Johnson said of his aspirations. “All-Defensive First Team or Second Team and possibly have an NBA championship, I want to be one of the greatest players to ever touch the ball.”
On Monday, a blogger who tracks the G League and two-ways described C.J. as the NBA two-way player most likely to break out this season…
The best thing Johnson can do is keep impressing his teammates and coaches with his work ethic while showing his defensive value. If he could flash as a defensive chip this season, that would be a huge win for the Nets.
Grant Nelson
Nelson has taken somewhat the same path, starting out in North Dakota where his combination of shooting and athleticism later earned him the nickname, “Dakota Durant”. North Dakota’s Mr. Basketball, he eventually found his way to a bigger school as well, Alabama. Both wound up taking their adopted Division I schools to the NCAA Final Four.
The 7-footer dealt with knee issues for much of last season with the Nets, just as he had his last season in Tuscaloosa, making it difficult for him to produce consistently. But when he was healthy, there were some encouraging results. In 15 G League starts, he averaged 24 points and 12 rebounds per 36 minutes. That was following a seven-week rehab program with Long Island’s player performance team.
After that strong stretch on Long Island, he earned a 10-day contract with Brooklyn, where he played 35 minutes and tallied 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. However, after his 10-day deal wasn’t renewed, it was revealed that his season would be cut short due to patellar tendinitis, commonly known as “jumper’s knee.”
As he continued to rehab, the Alabama product missed all of Summer League, though he remained on the team’s roster and traveled to both Sacramento and Las Vegas with the squad before getting converted to a two-way deal.
“I spent the whole summer rehabbing,” Nelson told reporters on Media Day. “I was pretty much getting my quad strength back after my tendon and I think the staff here did a great job helping me achieve 100 percent which I haven’t been at for a while.” .
After recovering, Nelson averaged 6.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in four preseason games. He particularly stood out in the Nets’ preseason win over the Washington Wizards, where he didn’t enter until the fourth quarter but had nine points in nine minutes, while also grabbing four rebounds, including three on offense, and shooting 4-of-5 (80%), including 1-of-2 from deep (50%).
That improve shooting, he said, was a benefit of having all that time rehabbing.
“My shooting, definitely,” he told NetsDaily when asked what’s better about his game. “It was a big emphasis knowing I was going to be out at the end of last season, this gives me a chance to hone in on my shooting mechanics and work with the great staff we have here. So I think my shooting has become much better. So I’m excited to show that this season coming up.”
At 7 feet, the 24-year-old moves well for his size and brings offensive versatility that isn’t common for someone his size. He is also highly athletic, setting the NBA Combine’s record for the shuttle run at 2.58 seconds and recording a 35.5” max vertical. He also has shown off good timing. Ask Cooper Flagg who once tried to get him on a poster…
What we mentioned with Johnson is even more applicable to Nelson: the Nets’ lack of frontcourt defense, especially rim protection in Nelson’s case, could lead to opportunities.
After losing Nic Claxton this offseason, the Nets don’t currently have a consistent, proven rim protector on their roster. Day’Ron Sharpe is a great offensive rebounder and Noah Clowney can block shots, but is more of forward. That’s where Nelson could potentially find an opportunity. He isn’t built like a traditional rim protector, but is very athletic and offers size, solid mobility… and an offensive game. At the very least, Nelson is another piece for Fernández to experiment with.
Could both earn a rotation spot?
Unlike the prior two years, Brooklyn is actually looking to win games this season. Yes, player development is still a priority, but the squad also needs to put players on the floor who can contribute to wins.
Johnson probably has the better chance right now, given his sample size in the pros last year and his strong Summer. He also offers positional size and versatility, which the Nets value.
Nelson is more of a developmental project, but again, injuries and the Nets’ lack of established frontcourt depth could create chances for him as well. Most likely, both players will spend ample time on Long Island, and those are valuable minutes.
Long Island’s season kicks off on November 6, which means if both players aren’t yet breaking through in Brooklyn by then, they will have a chance to get valuable playing time in the G League and make their presence felt. Nelson alluded to that on Media Day. “I’m super excited to get out there and play in Long Island or hopefully with this top team and getting more experience.” Better than sitting on the bench or showing up to NBA games in street clothes or watching from Alabaster or Devil’s Lake.
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 6: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates during the game against the Detroit Pistons on April 6, 2022 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In the winter of 2014, I was struggling through my freshman year of college. After spending my entire childhood in the North Texas suburbs, I made the reckless and ill-advised decision to attend a private university in central Illinois. Things weren’t going well for me— my mental health was in the gutter, I was abusing substances and failing my classes, and couldn’t stop feeling desperately, pathetically homesick.
Mavericks’ basketball was a lifeline during this time. Through my angst and depression, I could always look forward to locking in with Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis, and Tyson Chandler during the early days of that infamous 2014-2015 season. That team was incredibly fun to watch, and for the first time since winning the title in 2011, it seemed like they could make a serious run. After all, Dallas had the best offensive rating in league history during those first few months.
We all know what happened next: Dallas made the Rajon Rondo trade and nuked their season. I remember being home for winter break when the news broke. My friend and I got the notification and celebrated, sure that our contending team was adding the final piece to the puzzle. Despite concerns about fit (with both the roster and coach Rick Carlisle), bringing in a talent like Rondo was a risk worth taking.
It didn’t work out. Rondo fit horribly, clashed with Carlisle and Dirk, and quit on the team as the Mavericks flamed out in the first round of the playoffs. It was a disastrous trade, one that destroyed a promising season with added potential to set the franchise back for years to come.
But it didn’t. When Dallas made that fateful trade with the Boston Celtics, they tossed a young, undersized big man into the deal. His name was Dwight Harlan Powell, and he became one of the most important Dallas Mavericks in team history.
DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 22: Dwight Powell #8 poses for a photo during the Dallas Mavericks 2014-2015 Media Day on December 22, 2014 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
When Powell first came to Dallas, no one was really sure what he was. Drafted 45th overall in 2014 by the Hornets, Powell bounced from Charlotte to Cleveland before eventually settling with the Celtics to start his rookie season. The Stanford product played just nine total minutes for Boston before the Rondo deal, so Maverick fans didn’t have many reference points. Powell worked his way into a depth role for Dallas that season, appearing in a handful of games and mostly shooting pick-and-pop midrange jumpers. I remember thinking, “This guy can shoot a bit, and he moves pretty well, too.”
But that was never going to be a viable role for a player of Powell’s size and skill level. A classic tweener prospect, Powell was too small to handle traditional center responsibilities at the NBA level. Unfortunately, he also wasn’t a good enough shooter or scorer to play the four spot. To get out of tweener jail and make an impact for Dallas, Powell had to get creative. He understood that a player like him needed to do the little things better than anyone else. Screen setting, dribble-handoff facilitation, offensive rebounding, positioning, and defensive mobility became his calling cards. Through sharpening these tools, Powell turned himself into one of the most proficient pick-and-roll centers in the NBA. Powell leveraged his one big NBA skill (athleticism) into elite finishing as a lob threat, a feat that looks a lot simpler than it really is.
In 2018, the Mavericks drafted Luka Doncic and changed Powell’s life. Doncic, arguably the best pick-and-roll ball handler of all time, formed a beautiful, symbiotic relationship with the 6’10 pogo stick. Powell’s strong, physical screens created so much space for Doncic to operate. His perfectly executed rolls to the rim provided crucial vertical spacing for Dallas offense. All Doncic had to do was read the defense and exploit whatever advantage they created. From 2018-2020, the Doncic/Powell two-man combo posted a 120.1 offensive rating in 1,430 shared minutes. People wanted to give Doncic sole credit for this success, but Powell was absolutely essential in unlocking the lethal Mavericks offense during the Luka era.
DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers embraces Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks after the game at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In January of 2020, when he was at the peak of his powers, Powell tore his Achilles, ending his season and beyond. As a 29-year-old center whose entire game was predicated on plus athleticism and jumping ability, this was a devastating blow to Powell’s career. Losing even a bit of the juice that made Powell such a dynamic lob threat had disastrous implications, and it was fair to wonder if he’d even be able to hang around the NBA for much longer.
But Powell didn’t let those daunting prospects detour him. Instead, he did what he’s always done: work harder than everyone else. Not content to accept taking a backseat in his career, Powell attacked his rehab relentlessly and returned to the floor in December of 2020, less than a calendar year removed from sustaining the injury. Though he struggled through that season, he was able to reclaim his starting role and play all 82 games during the 2021-2022 run to the Western Conference Finals. Powell remained essential to the Maverick offense, but when Dallas flamed out in the Conference Finals against the Warriors, he was scapegoated for their failure. Kevon Looney, Golden State’s starting center, had a career series and punished Dallas on the offensive glass, where Powell has always struggled. You heard the refrain everywhere you went: Dwight Powell is not good enough to start at center on a contending team.
And you know what? That’s probably always been true. Powell is far from a perfect player, and his deficiencies are obvious to the casual basketball fan. He’s one of the worst rim-protecting bigs you’ll ever see. He struggles to control the defensive glass. He can’t shoot, he can’t dribble, and he can’t post up. All of these things stick out like a sore thumb when things aren’t going well.
Dwight Powell's First basket as a Mav (and-1 dunk) First baskets assisted by Dirk, Luka & Coop Last basket as a Mav (and-1 layup) pic.twitter.com/A04P3WCWXi
But the things Powell does well aren’t as obvious to the naked eye. The average fan might not clock how the timing and cadence of a Powell screen creates an easy shot for a teammate. It’s hard for people to understand how knowing where to be on the floor, when to flow into a different action, and how to move can help an offense. It’s not sexy to always make the right, simple read whenever the ball ends up in your hands. When Powell gets scored on at the rim, it’s easy to deride him. But when he perfectly executes a blitz, recovers to his man, cuts off a drive, and closes out to a shooter, there’s no box score stat to reflect the impact.
This has always been the story of Dwight Powell. Because of his clear weaknesses, modest box score production, and middling team success, Powell has long been the subject of fan proxy wars. Many simply couldn’t understand why Dallas kept wasting their time and resources on the guy. For years and years, folks seemed to think that if the Dwight Powell spot could be upgraded, everything else would fall into place. People pined for far worse players like Andre Drummond and DeAndre Jordan. Whoever the Mavericks brought in to take his place, Powell proved to be a better option.
This was true until the 2023-2024 season, when the Mavericks added the two-headed monster of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. By this point in Powell’s career, he was rightfully transitioned to third-string, vibes-based backup. It was the perfect role for him at this time, and Dallas rode their improved frontcourt rotation all the way to the NBA Finals.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 17: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks arrives before Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was never Powell’s fault that he was often overtasked as a starting center; all he did was play his role to the absolute best of his abilities. This remained true even in his final years, when Powell was deployed as a sparkplug depth option when the team needed energy and competence. Because if there’s one thing Dwight Powell is going to do, it’s play harder than the guys in front of him. Even with his skills and athleticism severely diminished, Powell swung countless sleepy regular season games by injecting life into the team.
And apart from all of the genuine impact Powell had on the basketball court, his greatest success in Dallas has to be what he brought to both the organization and community away from it. Ask any teammate Powell has ever had, and they will gush with praise. He leads by example with his work ethic and unselfishness, showing every young player what it means to be a pro. Despite being openly derided by much of the fanbase and constantly having his role in flux, Powell never complained a single time. When Dereck Lively took his starting spot, Powell embraced the rookie with class and elegance, offering nothing but support and guidance. During every single game, no matter how much he was playing, Powell was always the most active and energetic member of the bench. These things matter.
Powell also recognized the importance of making an impact in the community. He cared deeply for Dallas, the fans, and everyone else he came into contact with. Powell devoted a ton of time and effort to community work, the extent of which we really can’t know, because Powell didn’t do these things for show. Like Dirk Nowitzki before him, Powell operated away from cameras and the spotlight. The only time you heard about his charitable exploits was when other people talked about them. Because Powell doesn’t care about attention, he doesn’t care about fame, and he doesn’t care what others think. He tries to show up for others as often as he can. That’s the most admirable quality a professional athlete can have.
Dwight Powell spent 12 years on the periphery of my life as someone I always supported and appreciated. During that time, I went through countless personal ups and downs and became a man. While I am going to miss Powell in Dallas terribly, no one is going to miss him more than my mother, Powell’s biggest fan. She dubbed him “Super Dwight” and was always so happy any time he checked into a game. A couple of years ago, after a particularly good Powell performance, I texted my mom to talk about him. After discussing his game, I asked her to name her top three Dwight Powell qualities. Her response: “Hustle, setting screens, and attitude on the court. Humility, generosity, and charity off the court.” I can’t think of any better way to sum up everything that Powell is about. Best of luck to Dwight in his next endeavor— he will always, always be a Maverick.
The Los Angeles Lakers have come to a decision on their roster to open the season.
Dalton Knecht has been waived, the team announced Monday afternoon. The move puts the Lakers roster at 15 players, the limit under NBA rules.
The Lakers, who carried 16 players through the preseason, had a choice to make between Knecht and Bronny James. Both players were held out of practice ahead of Monday's 2 p.m. cut deadline, with head coach JJ Redick saying the two cut candidates were "under the weather." And despite rumors over the weekend of trade talks centered around Knecht, it appears president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka ultimately decided to make a clean break.
Lakers waive Dalton Knecht
The problem that comes with trading a player who won't make the roster comes down to value. Teams have no reason to give up any assets for a guy they know they can get for nothing a few days later. Pelinka has shown over the years that he's particular about return packages; he's more than willing to pass on a trade if he's not 100% sure it would improve the roster.
For Knecht, it became painfully clear over the last couple of weeks that he was the odd man out. His shooting -- the reason the Lakers drafted him with the 17th overall pick in 2024 in the first place -- was too streaky to be relied upon, and his subpar defense made him a liability most times he stepped on the court. That, and the addition of several wings with size who could shoot -- Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili when he's not playing the five -- during their roster overhaul this summer, suddenly made Knecht's skillset redundant.
Redick admitted as much to reporters ahead of Friday's preseason finale.
"I think the biggest thing is the team changed. The team changed. Needs changed, the fit changed. I think he’s gotten better as a player the last two years. I think, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the injuries we had. I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings," Redick said at the time. "And he’s in a tough spot right now."
Knecht didn't check in until halfway through the fourth quarter of the Lakers' loss to the Denver Nuggets, the 12th man off the bench that night, and finished scoreless for the second game in a row. In his 7:30 minutes of playing time, he added one rebound and an assist.
The writing had been on the wall at UCLA Health Training Center for quite some time. Now, it's official.
The Golden State Warriors can finally take a moment to breathe.
After Steph Curry left Sunday’s open practice early due to an ankle injury, head coach Steve Kerr said on Monday that Curry is fine and he expects him to play in their season opener on Wednesday night, against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“He’s fine. Yeah, he practiced full today,” Kerr said to Kendzo Fukuda of Clutch Points.
Steve Kerr said Steph Curry is fine after his injury scare yesterday. Practiced fully and he expects him to be ready for the season-opener on Wednesday.
“I'm always concerned when Steph limps off. But I went down and checked on him, and he told me immediately he was fine.” pic.twitter.com/iUpADdoo05
Steph Curry is expected to play in Wednesday night’s season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
The potential loss of Curry came after he was seen gingerly limping off the court with a non-contact injury during an open practice at the Chase Center.
Kerr said that initially, it gave him a bit of a scare seeing Curry exit early, but after he went and checked on him in the training room, he knew everything was okay.
“He told me immediately that he was fine,” Kerr said.
Last season, Curry appeared in only 43 games for Golden State after missing an extensive amount of time due to runner’s knee.
Steph Curry is expected to be okay after leaving Sunday’s practice early due to an ankle sprain. Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP
When he was on the court, the Warriors were 24-19. When he wasn’t, they were 13-26.
Last season, Curry averaged 26.6 points, while having a 46.8 shooting percentage from the field and 39.3% from downtown.
When he wasn’t scoring points, Curry was also averaging 3.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.1 steals while playing an average of 30.9 minutes per game.
While the NBA season has yet to start, Golden State is already being impacted by injuries.
Both Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis won’t be available for the season opener as Butler is returning from a torn ACL and is expected to return to action around late January or early February next year.
Porzingis’ timeline is currently unknown, as he’s out indefinitely.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic signing autographs for fans. NBAE via Getty Images
Kerr said that while his center is out, he won’t be traveling with the team and that he wanted to give him space so that he can focus on the rest of the team.
Nov 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) react after scoring a three point basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Once a draft steal for the Lakers, Dalton Knecht’s drastic fall has bottomed out.
On Monday, the Lakers made official a move many had speculated this preseason in waiving Knecht, bringing their roster to 15 players.
The Los Angeles Lakers are waiving 2024 No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/SaeDxdSBUo
Prior to Friday’s preseason finale for LA, head coach JJ Redick spoke about Knecht’s situation and what changed from his rookie year to this season.
“I think the biggest thing is the team changed,” Redick said. “The team changed. The needs changed. The fit changed. I think he got better as a player over the last two years. I think each guy has, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the amount of injuries we had. I just think, coming into this year, we got a lot of wings and he’s in a tough spot right now.”
For a brief moment in his rookie career, Knecht looked not only like a diamond in the rough but also a potential Rookie of the Year. But as fast as he burst onto the scene, he faded into the background.
The lasting memory of his tenure in LA will be the failed trade for Mark Williams. After the team acquired Luka Dončić, they immediately moved to bring in a lob-catching center, sending Knecht in a trade package to the Hornets.
That trade, though, was rescinded days later after the deadline. Although he was already on a downward trajectory before then, that moment seemed to seal his fate.
He was given various opportunities throughout his remaining time with the team, but was never able to make an impression. Much of that was due to his continued defensive shortcomings with little progress made on that end of the floor throughout his time in the league.
Coming into training camp, the Lakers had 16 guaranteed contracts with only 15 players allowed on a roster, meaning there was a competition for the final spot. Knecht’s lack of presence throughout the preseason, whether that be in quotes from head coach JJ Redick or actual playing time, showed where he stood.
The limited time he did get on the court offered little reason for optimism. He didn’t make much of an argument to keep him on the roster, bringing us to this decision.
After months of anticipation, the Lakers finally made the necessary move to become compliant with the league’s roster rules.
The team waived Dalton Knecht on Monday ahead of the league’s 2 p.m. deadline to trim their roster from 16 to 15 players signed to standard contracts.
The Lakers cut ties with Dalton Knecht (4) on Monday. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
The Lakers have been needing to trim their roster since signing Matisse Thybulle to a veteran’s minimum contract in late July.
When asked after the team’s practice on Monday whether a decision had been made, coach JJ Redick responded, “those decisions will be made at 2 [p.m.].”
After nearly three months of deliberation, and less than a couple of hours after Redick spoke with reporters, the Lakers decided to part ways with the third-year wing whose role with the team has diminished over the last couple of years.
Dalton Knecht wasn’t a significant factor during the Lakers’ preseason. NBAE via Getty Images
The franchise selected Knecht with the No. 17 pick in the 2024, with the former Tennessee Volunteer making a big splash early on as a rookie.
He was in the rotation from the start of the 2024-25 season, stepping into the starting lineup in mid-November amid injuries — which produced the best stretch of his brief NBA career: Knecht averaged 18.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in the final nine games of November 2024 (nine starts).
Even when he hit a shooting slump in January and December, the 6-foot-5 wing was still getting consistent playing time as a part of the rotation.
It looked like Knecht was going to come out of the slump after scoring 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting in the Lakers’ win over the Clippers on Feb. 4, 2025.
But his career hasn’t been the same since.
Dalton Knecht’s role with the Lakers diminished over the last couple of years. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
That was still true during his second season with the Lakers in 2025-26: He played 553 total minutes during the regular season across 54 games after recording 1,494 minutes in 78 regular-season games as a rookie.
“The biggest thing is the team changed,” coach JJ Redick said last week when asked where things went wrong for Knecht. “The team changed. The needs changed, the fit changed. I think he got better as a player over the last two years. I think each guy has, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the amount of injuries we had. So I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings and he’s in a tough spot right now.”
Knecht averaged just 2.8 points (11.8 minutes per game) in four of the Lakers’ five preseason games.
The Lakers have until 2 p.m. to trim their roster from 16 players signed to standard NBA deals to the maximum of 15 today.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James was excused during practice today. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Redick said the Lakers had a couple of players who were “under the weather” before adding that James and Knecht were excused from practice.
Redick added that the Lakers hadn’t made a decision about their roster crunch as of the time of post-practice media availability.
“Those decisions will be made at 2 [p.m.],” Redick added.
Knecht’s name has swirled in Lakers’ roster crunch rumors for the last several weeks.
And, as of an hour ago and after nearly three months of deliberation, the team decided to part ways with the third-year wing whose role has diminished over the last couple of weeks.
The No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft, the former Tennessee Volunteer made a big splash early on as a rookie with the Lakers before his role with the team lessened.
He was in the rotation from the start of the 2024–25 season, stepping into the starting lineup in mid-November amid injuries — which produced the best stretch of his brief NBA career: Knecht averaged 18.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in the final nine games of November 2024 with nine starts.
The Lakers cut ties with Dalton Knecht today, after the No. 17 pick’s involvement with the team lessened over the years. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Even when he hit a shooting slump in January and December, the 6-foot-5 wing was still getting consistent playing time as part of the rotation. It looked like Knecht was going to come out of the slump after scoring 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting in the Lakers’ win over the Clippers on Feb. 4, 2025.
That was still true during his second season with the Lakers in 2025–26: He played 553 total minutes during the regular season across 54 games after recording 1,494 minutes in 78 regular-season games as a rookie.
“The biggest thing is the team changed,” coach JJ Redick said last week when asked where things went wrong for Knecht. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“The biggest thing is the team changed,” coach JJ Redick said last week when asked where things went wrong for Knecht. “The team changed. The needs changed, the fit changed. I think he got better as a player over the last two years.”
He continued, :I think each guy has, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the amount of injuries we had. So I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings and he’s in a tough spot right now.”
Knecht averaged just 2.8 points (11.8 minutes per game) in four of the Lakers’ five preseason games.
James, the oldest son of former Lakers superstar LeBron James, has struggled during the preseason after taking significant strides in his development to close out last season. He’s averaged just 2.2 points on 25% shooting in the Lakers’ five preseason games.
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