NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4). Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Los Angeles Lakers waived Dalton Knecht on Monday, ending the two-year stint of the 2024 No. 17 overall pick. Knecht, 25, averaged 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.2 minutes across 54 games last season and shot 34.2% from three-point range.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick said earlier this month that Knecht ended up in a tough spot after Los Angeles added wing depth over the offseason.
Knecht cleared waivers Wednesday and became eligible for a two-way contract, per SNY’s Ian Begley. Minnesota, Sacramento and Toronto emerged as suitors with open two-way spots. The biggest development, though, came from a team with none.
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Dalton Knecht agrees to two-way contract with Knicks after Lakers exit
NBA: Preseason-Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors
Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4). Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images.
Dalton Knecht has agreed to sign with the New York Knicks on a two-way contract, his agents at Excel Sports Management told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The defending NBA champions had all three two-way spots filled by Kevin McCullar Jr., Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins, so New York will need to clear a spot.
Former Lakers forward Dalton Knecht has agreed to sign with the New York Knicks on a two-way NBA contract, his agents at Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/1gePugMy3Z
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2026
Knecht joins a Knicks team that beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win its first championship since 1973.
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Why Knecht fits the Knicks after his Lakers exit
Knecht averaged 9.1 points and shot 37.6% from three-point range in 78 games as a rookie in 2024-25, but his minutes shrank last season.
Minnesota, Sacramento and Toronto were also linked to Knecht, per The Stein Line’s Marc Stein and NBA insider Jake Fischer.
The Knicks visit the Boston Celtics on Friday, Oct. 23, before hosting Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 27. Knecht adds wing depth for a team opening its title defense.