Summary
The Los Angeles Lakers have decided to keep Dalton Knecht, their 2024 first-round draft pick, for the 2026-27 NBA season by exercising his team option. Knecht had a successful college career and has been a part of the Lakers’ rotation. This decision comes as the team prepares for the new season without LeBron James, who is injured.
Key Facts
- The Lakers will start the 2025-26 NBA season against the Golden State Warriors.
- Dalton Knecht, a former first-round pick, will stay with the Lakers for the 2026-27 season with a $4.2 million salary.
- LeBron James will miss the first few weeks of the season due to a sciatica injury.
- Dalton Knecht had a successful college career, including winning SEC Player of the Year at Tennessee.
- Knecht averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in his rookie season.
- With James injured, the Lakers will rely more on Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton, as well as their bench players like Knecht.
- The Lakers' roster includes new additions Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia.
