Dalton Knecht remains confident in his abilities despite a reduced role with the Los Angeles Lakers and uncertainty surrounding his future, as the team explores a potential trade with the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I still go out there, I still think I am the best player and best shooter when I step out on the court,” Knecht said, per Dan Woike of The Athletic.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Lakers and Bucks held exploratory trade discussions involving Knecht and second-round draft capital in exchange for center Jericho Sims. However, Fischer reported on Thursday, October 15, that sources briefed on the talks were pessimistic about a deal being completed.
Los Angeles has 16 players on standard contracts and must reduce its roster to 15 by 5 p.m. ET on Monday, October 19. Fischer noted that the Lakers could be forced to waive Knecht if they cannot find a trade partner, which would leave the team responsible for his guaranteed $4.2 million salary this season.
Knecht, 25, is in the third season of a four-year, $18.5 million rookie-scale contract. The deal includes a team option for its final year.
The forward made 78 appearances during his rookie season in 2024-25, averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game. He shot 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range, establishing himself as a perimeter scoring option.
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His role diminished considerably last season. Knecht appeared in 54 games, including one start, and averaged 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes per contest. His three-point percentage also dropped to 34.2%.
Sims, meanwhile, averaged 5.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in 19.7 minutes across 67 games last season, shooting 78.4% from the field. The 27-year-old center is in the second season of a two-year, $5.3 million contract.
The Lakers have Walker Kessler as their starting center after acquiring him through a sign-and-trade on July 8 and signing him to a four-year, $129.5 million deal. Sims has been identified as a potential depth option behind Kessler.
Knecht’s future could therefore depend on whether the Lakers find a trade before the roster deadline or decide to part ways with the former first-round pick.
