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Dalton Knecht’s release reminds the Lakers how close they came to adding real help

Even in a weak 2024 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers fumbled pick 17 pretty badly.

By Svyatoslav Rovenchuk · Lake Show Life

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 5:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Svyatoslav Rovenchuk argues Dalton Knecht's release highlights the Los Angeles Lakers' draft failure in 2024.
The Lakers waived Knecht after two seasons while finalizing their roster ahead of NBA Opening Night.
The writer highlights that the next four draft picks have all become productive rotation players elsewhere.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially released Dalton Knecht ahead of NBA Opening Night, ending his tenure after just two seasons. Svyatoslav Rovenchuk of Lake Show Life argues that cutting Knecht represents an admission of a draft failure by general manager Rob Pelinka, especially given the talent selected immediately after pick 17 in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Rovenchuk notes that the subsequent four picks—Tristan da Silva, Ja'Kobe Walter, Jaylon Tyson, and Yves Missi—have each developed into effective NBA contributors for their respective franchises. The writer asserts that any of these four players could have provided valuable depth and filled rotational needs for the Lakers today.

Read the full article on Lake Show Life

Dalton Knecht’s release reminds the Lakers how close they came to adding real help

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