Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (left) and forward Jarred Vanderbilt (right) talk
Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers could face a significant roster decision involving Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy during training camp, according to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel.
With the Lakers set to open training camp next week ahead of the 2026-27 season, Siegel provided the latest intel on the team's roster crunch during the latest episode of “Clutch Scoops.” Los Angeles will need to trim its roster to 15 players before the regular season, potentially putting Knecht and Hardy in direct competition for one spot.
“The Lakers are dealing with a roster crunch heading into training camp. They’re going to have to cut somebody in order to get down to that 15-man roster heading into the start of the season. And around the trade deadline last season, we did hear that Dalton Knecht was available and if they didn’t move him he would be a potential buy-out candidate then – that was echoed this summer and so where I think there’s smoke, there will be a little fire there. And there’s going to be a lot of pressure on Dalton Knecht to fight for this roster spot with Jaden Hardy in training camp.”
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Knecht's uncertain standing does not come as a complete surprise. As Siegel noted, the Lakers explored his availability around last season's trade deadline, and questions surrounding his future continued into the offseason.
Training camp could now serve as the deciding factor between Knecht and Hardy.
Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy facing Lakers roster battle
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (1) gestures against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter of game four of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center.
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (1) gestures against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter of game four of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center.
Los Angeles has reshaped its roster around Luka Doncic since LeBron James' departure for the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers added several pieces during the offseason while retaining Austin Reaves, creating increased competition for the final spots on the roster.
Knecht and Hardy could find themselves at the center of that competition. While a trade could potentially resolve the situation, Siegel indicated that one of the two players ultimately may not make the regular-season roster.
“One of them is going to be cut and it wouldn’t shock me if it ended up being Dalton Knecht. It just really does depend on what happens here in training camp for the Lakers.”
That puts added pressure on Knecht when practices begin. His name has already surfaced in trade and buyout discussions over the past year, and a strong training camp could become critical to preserving his place on the roster.
Hardy, meanwhile, will have the same opportunity to make his case as Los Angeles evaluates its backcourt and wing depth.
With the Lakers required to make a roster move before opening night, the competition between Knecht and Hardy gives Los Angeles one of its most consequential training camp battles.