The Los Angeles Lakers waived 2024 No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht after attempts to trade him before the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, citing roster depth at wing and shifting team needs.

Knecht, a 6-foot-6 forward, averaged 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.2 minutes over 54 games (one start) last season.

Walker Kessler will be asked to address rim protection and rebounding, with the team hoping his development helps bridge defensive gaps as the roster recalibrates.

The coaching staff emphasizes sustained defense and effort from Williams, Carr, and Thiero as crucial for building confidence and realizing the team’s ceiling.

Head coach JJ Redick remains optimistic about developing a championship contender, while Luka Dončić helped organize an offseason gathering in Slovenia to foster team chemistry.

Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, and Ziaire Williams are among the wings the Lakers are counting on to raise defensive intensity and provide versatile scoring.

The team aims to compete for a title but acknowledges the Western Conference’s strength and expects growing pains as players learn to play together.

Preseason pressure tactics, such as aggressive full-court pressure, show promise for disruption but don’t prove perimeter defense is solved.

Internal questions center on the team’s identity, consistency, and how Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron James will mesh, with injuries affecting momentum.

Defensive concerns around Jokic’s teams are noted, but the bigger issue remains whether the Lakers can defend well enough to complement their explosive offense.

Redick has explored adding players like Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, and Ziaire Williams to address defensive gaps, while preseason showings stress the need for discipline in transition defense.

Analysts suggest per­ceptions of draft decisions can shift over time, with current context framed by higher-profile teammates like LeBron James and Jaylen Brown influencing ongoing discussions.