Los Angeles Lakers finally give Dalton Knecht exactly what Tennessee Vols fans have been begging for
The VFL could finally be getting a career revival after a forgettable era in Southern California.
Dalton Knecht has needed a fresh start. That’s been beyond obvious after JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers have taken their 2024 first round pick and developed him by having him ride the bench for most of his first two years in the league.
The Lakers tried to trade him in February 2025, to Charlotte, but the deal fell apart when Hornets center Mark Williams failed a physical with Los Angeles. It became crystal clear then that a clean break was needed and that each side needs a fresh start.
And on Monday, the Lakers finally gave what fans of the Tennessee Vols have been begging for regarding their former star: freedom.
Per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the Lakers are waiving Knecht.
Lakers waiving former Tennessee Vols star Dalton Knecht
As Knecht is being waived, he’ll have to pass through waivers. Provided he goes unclaimed during the 48-hour window to claim waived players, he’ll be free to sign with any team.
Knecht was selected by the Lakers with the No. 17 pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft after a consensus All-American 2023-24 season for Tennessee. In his lone season in Knoxville, he averaged 21.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game and shot 39.7% from three. Through two NBA seasons, he’s averaged 7.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game over 132 games.
With his offensive game still being a plus quality, some team will bring him on board in the coming week or weeks. We’ll find out where the former Vol will continue his career soon enough.
