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NBA Champion Says Lakers’ $18M Outcast Has Been “Ruined,” Left in “Purgatory”

Draymond Green has delivered a verdict on Dalton Knecht’s Lakers tenure, claiming the young guard has been “ruined” and left in “purgatory.”

By Matt Evans · Heavy

Published: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 7:58 AM

Key Things to Know

Draymond Green argued that Dalton Knecht was ruined and left in purgatory after a rescinded Lakers trade.
Green blamed Knecht's agent for failing to negotiate an exit from Los Angeles after the trade collapsed.
Knecht is considered a leading candidate to be cut by the Lakers before the 2026-27 regular season.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green stated on his podcast that Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht has been ruined and left in purgatory following a rescinded trade in February 2025. Green criticized Knecht's representation for failing to secure a departure from Los Angeles after a proposed trade to the Charlotte Hornets collapsed due to Mark Williams' back injury.

Knecht faces an uncertain future as the Lakers need to make a final roster cut ahead of the 2026-27 season. The 25-year-old guard is in the third year of his four-year, $18 million rookie contract, but he averaged just 4.2 points per game last season and has fallen down the depth chart.

Read the full article on Heavy

NBA Champion Says Lakers’ $18M Outcast Has Been “Ruined,” Left in “Purgatory”

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