Lakers reportedly set to part ways with $4.2M former first-rounder after lackluster season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets after securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference. While the playoffs are the primary focus, there is already some attention shifting toward free agency this summer. There is growing belief that LeBron James will return.

“All signs are leading LeBron back to Los Angeles. Sure, he doesn't have the leverage he once had, but he doesn't need to sign a max deal. All of these factors should lead LeBron to sign a team-friendly contract to continue his tenure with the Lakers for at least one more season,” Lake Show Life’s Jason Reed wrote.

However, the same cannot be said for second-year Laker Dalton Knecht, who has struggled throughout the season.

“The former first-round draft pick is behind Bronny James and Drew Timme in LA’s rotation at this stage. Redick doesn’t trust Knecht in any situation, so it is time to move on. The Lakers love what JJ is doing. If it becomes a choice between the two, Knecht will be gone instantly. Jovan Buha reported the Lakers will shop Knecht on the trade market in the offseason. He is under contract for $4.2 million next season and has a team option in his contract for the 2027-28 campaign. Teams are always looking for rookie-scale deals to save money, but the Lakers will have to give Knecht away to get him off their roster,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.

One possible reason for Knecht’s lack of production could be overexertion during the offseason, something head coach JJ Redick mentioned before the season began.

“The guy did too much after the season. And I think in summer league, he was burnt out. He was coming in here at 5 AM, getting shots up, then doing two workouts with our summer league staff and in the weight room,” Redick said.

Knecht is currently buried on the roster given the Lakers’ current makeup. A change of scenery could benefit him, particularly with a younger team in need of shooting.

Despite his struggles, Knecht has shown flashes of his potential, including a strong regular-season finale in which he scored 17 points in the fourth quarter alone. The Lakers may attempt to recoup some value for him, but his limited role this season may have diminished his trade market.

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