The Los Angeles Lakers' training camp hasn't even begun, but they already have a roster battle brewing. The Lakers have 16 players under contract but just 15 roster spots.
That means that players Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy will be forced to compete for the last roster spot. Given that the Lakers selected Knecht 17th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, his lack of a guaranteed roster spot is already disappointing.
After early success, he has largely been a non-factor with the Lakers. If he doesn't make the roster, then he'd be yet another recent failed Lakers first-round pick.
It's not like Los Angeles is swimming in first-round picks, so when they have one, they need to nail it, but thus far, he has yet to live up to expectations.
A Lakers training camp battle looms for Dalton Knecht
Knecht was traded during his rookie season, only for the deal to be reversed and him to be sent back to Los Angeles. He seemingly hasn't gotten past that, with his play having yet to recover. Now, he could be cut before what will be his third season in the NBA.
Roster spots are like gold to the Lakers, and they can't afford to keep a player who won't contribute this season or doesn't project to contribute going forward. Unfortunately, Knecht doesn't appear to fall into either category.
Worse yet, he appears to be deep in Lakers coach JJ Reddick's doghouse. That means, even if he were to make the roster, he probably wouldn't have a meaningful role unless L.A. has several injuries and is shorthanded enough to need him.
Predicting the outcome of a Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy battle
Between the two choices, Hardy seems like a more likely candidate to make the roster. Still, he probably won't make a huge impact either, with him being on his third team in five seasons.
The Lakers having a successful season won't ultimately come down to a training camp battle at the end of the roster. Instead, it will come down to their best players, specifically Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and new starting center Walker Kessler.
In fact, L.A. has nine new players, so they will have to hope that their new additions will exceed expectations. As is, I have them as being the fifth-best team in the West, not terrible but not great either.
Choosing between Knecht or Hardy probably isn't going to tip the scale in either direction. However, Knecht not making the team would be disappointing given that he would be their latest first-round failure.
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