Tue Oct 28 04:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Lakers Guarantee Dalton Knecht’s Future with 2026-27 Option Pick-Up
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Lakers are betting on the future of rookie wing Dalton Knecht, exercising their team option on his contract for the 2026-27 season. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported the move, confirming that Knecht is set to earn $4.2 million that year, according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith.
The Lakers selected Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft after his standout season at Tennessee, where he was named SEC Player of the Year. Last season, the rookie appeared in 78 games, starting 16, and averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 three-pointers in just over 19 minutes per game. He shot a solid 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc.
Knecht’s rookie year was far from typical, most notably due to a near-trade to the Charlotte Hornets that ultimately fell through after center Mark Williams failed a physical. The Lakers had agreed to send Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap in exchange for Williams.
The Lakers were able to address their center needs this offseason by signing Deandre Ayton in free agency, alleviating the need to trade the promising young Knecht.
Despite primarily playing off the bench last season, Knecht showcased his offensive potential with seven 20-point games, including a career-high 37-point performance against the Utah Jazz in November. He’s expected to be a key contributor off the bench this season, especially with LeBron James anticipated to miss the start of the 2025-26 season due to sciatica.
Knecht, along with Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton, will be called upon to step up offensively during James’ absence.
The Lakers kick off their regular season tonight at home against the Golden State Warriors.
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