The Los Angeles Lakers waived Dalton Knecht, the No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft, on October 22, 2026, trimming the roster to 16 players under contract before the regular season. Knecht never regained his footing after the rescinded Mark Williams trade sent him to Charlotte and back. The discussion now centers on what the cut leaves behind: Bronny James, taken in the same draft class, holds a partially guaranteed deal and stands to get chances with Colin Sexton out on a calf injury and little backcourt depth behind him. Both Knecht and James were excused from practice on the day of the decision.