Lakers eye more roster changes with Dalton Knecht and a $48 million standout linked to potential exits
The Lakers have made radical changes to their roster since last season, beginning with LeBron James's departure
One week from today, the 2026-27 NBA season tips off with a blockbuster three-game slate on opening night featuring six playoff contenders and both of last year's finalists, highlighted by the New York Knicks raising their championship banner against LeBron James and the revamped Philadelphia 76ers , alongside a Western Conference Finals rematch between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder .
The following night on October 21 , two of the league's most high-profile franchises clash at Crypto.com Arena when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors .
This marquee matchup officially inaugurates the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles following LeBron’s departure, while Stephen Curry and the Warriors look to defy low external expectations after a quiet offseason compounded by early-season injuries to Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis .
Lakers Roster Cuts and Trade Rumors
Under new ownership and a drastically overhauled roster, third-year head coach JJ Redick faces the monumental challenge of integrating 10 new players , including additions of Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes , who are projected to join Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the starting lineup.
However, following an aggressive offseason, the front office is not done tweaking the roster as they look to pare down from 16 standard NBA contracts to the league-mandated 15-player maximum .
Rivals across the league widely anticipate that Dalton Knecht , the franchise's 2024 first-round draft pick , could be the odd man out after struggling to secure a consistent rotation role over his first two seasons, even logging fewer impactful minutes than fellow 2024 draftee Bronny James .
Beyond potential roster cuts, trade speculation continues to swirl around defensive specialist Jarred Vanderbilt , who is currently midway through a four-year, $48 million contract extension.
While moving Vanderbilt via trade would clear significant cap flexibility, his close personal bond with Doncic makes any deal delicate, particularly given Redick’s emphasis on establishing a high-intensity defensive identity this season.
With two preseason games remaining against the Warriors and the Denver Nuggets, the front office must make its final structural decisions before ushering in this exciting new era next Wednesday.
