The Los Angeles Lakers have exercised the third-year team option on forward Dalton Knecht, securing the 2024 first-round pick through the 2026-27 season at $4.2 million, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac.
The decision, finalized ahead of the 2025-26 regular-season opener, keeps the 17th overall selection from the 2024 NBA Draft under contract for at least one more year. Rookie-scale deals give teams annual options for Years 3 and 4; franchises rarely decline the third-year option unless the player is no longer viewed as part of the rotation or a trade asset.
Knecht, a 6-foot-6 wing out of Tennessee, posted an uneven debut campaign. He shot 43.9 percent from three-point range in October and November and 42.7 percent from deep during March and April, but converted just 28.5 percent in the intervening months. Both the player and the organization attributed his sluggish summer-league showing to fatigue after an intense post-season training program.
With the option exercised, Knecht becomes one of five Lakers with guaranteed money for 2026-27, joining Luka Doncic, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero.
Head coach JJ Redick, coming off a successful first year on the bench, has emphasized establishing “championship habits” as Los Angeles prepares for its Opening Night matchup against the Golden State Warriors. While injuries have limited full-roster participation in camp, the Lakers expect a healthy, motivated Doncic to anchor the group in the absence of LeBron James.
The Lakers begin the 2025-26 season later this week.
Source: Lakers Nation
