Lakers waive Dalton Knecht and keep Bronny James for the start of the NBA season

The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Dalton Knecht and kept Bronny James on their roster for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season, the team announced on Monday 19 October (US time), USA Today and AP reported.

USA Today said the move leaves the Lakers with 15 players, the NBA limit. The Lakers carried 16 players through the preseason and had to choose between Knecht and James before Monday’s deadline, according to USA Today. Teams had to set their opening-day rosters on Monday, Hoops Rumors said.

Both players were held out of practice before the deadline; coach JJ Redick said the pair were “under the weather”, USA Today reported.

Knecht was the Lakers’ 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Before Friday’s preseason finale, Redick said: “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,” according to USA Today. Redick said the team had “added a lot of wings” this year.

USA Today said Knecht played seven and a half minutes and did not score in the Lakers’ preseason loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday. The roster published by USA Today includes Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

James, 22, is the son of LeBron James, who is starting his 24th season with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to NBA.com. For the opening-night schedule, see our earlier report.