Lakers waive 2024 draft pick Dalton Knecht as class sees early turnover

The Los Angeles Lakers have waived forward Dalton Knecht, ending his first season after the rookie appeared in 54 games with an average of just over 10 minutes per contest. Knecht, a former top-10 prospect who fell to the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had been linked to a trade that collapsed when center Mark Williams failed a physical exam, leaving his future with the team uncertain.

Lakers analyst JJ Redick noted that roster changes and a shift in team needs contributed to Knecht's diminished role, saying, "The team changed. Needs changed, the fit changed. I think he's gotten better as a player the last two years, but we added a lot of wings and he's in a tough spot right now."

Knecht joins a growing list of 2024 draft players who have already been moved. No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher was traded to the Dallas Mavericks after two seasons, while No. 15 and No. 16 picks Kel'el Ware and Jared McCain were also dealt. The early turnover has prompted analysts to label the 2024 class as a cautionary example for future drafts.

Despite the overall disappointment, a few players from the class have found success. Stephon Castle, Alex Sarr and rookie guard Ajay Mitchell have earned spots on the CBS Sports Top 100 NBA player list, and other prospects such as Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey are projected as starting-level bigs.

The NBA’s upcoming lottery reform, which introduces a 3-2-1 format, aims to reduce tanking and may affect how teams approach future drafts, including the highly anticipated 2027 class.