Dalton Knecht Waived by Lakers as 2024 NBA Draft Class Faces Challenges

Dalton Knecht has been waived by the Los Angeles Lakers just before the start of the 2026-27 NBA season, marking a significant moment for the 2024 draft class, which has faced numerous challenges. This class, considered underwhelming compared to others, has already seen four lottery picks traded, including the No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.

Knecht, who had shown potential during his time at Tennessee, was involved in trade rumors since his rookie season, including a failed trade to the Charlotte Hornets. Despite a promising performance early in his career, he struggled to secure a consistent role with the Lakers, appearing in only 54 games over two seasons.

The 2024 draft class has been criticized for its lack of standout talent, with several players being traded or waived shortly after being selected. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the struggles of this draft class serve as a cautionary tale for future drafts.