Dalton Knecht has broken his silence after being waived by the Los Angeles Lakers, thanking the organization and fans while making it clear that he sees the move as the start of a new chapter.
"Thank you, Los Angeles. Thank you to the Lakers organization, my teammates, the coaching staff, and especially the fans who supported me from day one. Wearing the purple and gold was an honor I will always cherish. Every moment, every lesson, and every opportunity helped me grow not only as a player but also as a person.
"Things may not always go the way we expect, and sometimes life takes us in a different direction. Leaving this chapter behind is never easy, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent one of the greatest franchises in NBA history. The love, the support, and the memories will always mean something special to me.
"To the Lakers fans, thank you for believing in me, cheering for me, and being part of this journey. Although my time in Los Angeles may be over, my passion for the game remains the same. This is not the end of my story. It is simply the beginning of another chapter.
"Forever grateful for the purple and gold. Thank you, Lakers Nation."
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Why Lakers decided to waive Knecht
The Lakers waived Knecht ahead of the roster deadline, reducing their guaranteed roster from 16 players to 15.
According to NBA reporter Jovan Buha, the decision was driven largely by concerns over Knecht's processing and decision-making, which the Lakers felt had not developed to the level they expected.
Those issues were viewed as more significant than his defensive limitations or his shooting decline.
Buha also indicated that similar concerns existed around the league, which helped explain why the Lakers were unable to find a trade partner despite trying to move Knecht for much of the past year.
After averaging 9.1 points in 19.2 minutes over 78 games (16 starts) in his rookie season, Knecht was completely out of JJ Redick's rotation in 2025-26. He averaged 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes and appeared in 54 games.