Lakers waive former 1st-round pick after failed trade with Charlotte Hornets

Dalton Knecht, a 2024 first-round NBA draft pick, was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers as they finalized their 15-player roster for the 2026-27 season, according to reports from sbsun.com and pasadenastarnews.com. The Lakers remain responsible for his $4.2 million contract this season despite releasing him.

The Lakers had attempted a trade in February 2025 that would have sent Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets along with other assets for center Mark Williams. However, the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical with the Lakers, leading Knecht to return to Los Angeles, as noted by pasadenastarnews.com.

Knecht showed promise in his rookie season, playing 78 games and averaging 9.1 points per game with solid shooting percentages. However, his role diminished during his sophomore season under coach JJ Redick, and he struggled to regain consistent playing time, according to sbsun.com.

The Lakers had 16 players on guaranteed contracts and needed to cut one to meet the 15-player limit. Knecht was waived instead of being traded, a decision confirmed by multiple sources including aol.com and pasadenastarnews.com. Meanwhile, fellow 2024 Lakers first-round pick Bronny James remains on the roster.

This roster move finalizes the Lakers’ lineup for the upcoming season, closing the chapter on Knecht’s tenure with the team after the failed trade attempt involving the Charlotte Hornets.

What we're watching: How the Charlotte Hornets will adjust their roster plans following the rescinded trade involving Dalton Knecht and Mark Williams.