The Los Angeles Lakers have made their final roster decision ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, waiving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht while retaining Bronny James. The move has sparked debate among fans, with many questioning whether the franchise made the right call.
Knecht was selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft after an impressive college career at Tennessee. He showed real scoring potential during his rookie season, averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds across 78 games. However, his role diminished last season, when he averaged just 4.2 points in 54 appearances, and he struggled again during the preseason.
Bronny, meanwhile, has yet to establish himself as a consistent NBA contributor. Across his first two seasons, he averaged 2.7 points per game in 69 appearances, spending part of his development in the G League. Despite his limited production and a difficult preseason, the Lakers have decided to keep him on their opening-night roster.
The decision has fuelled speculation about whether the Lakers prioritised Bronny’s potential and commercial appeal over Knecht’s scoring ability. However, the two players have different roles, and the Lakers’ decision also reflects their roster needs and Knecht’s struggles to secure a regular rotation spot.
