Encouraging practice reports leave the final decision open
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Dalton Knecht’s approach to training camp on October 1, pointing to his offseason work and his first three practices. The comments gave Knecht a positive assessment while the club continued evaluating its roster.
Redick’s remarks were shared by Lakers reporter Khobi Price and reported by Lakers Daily. The coach highlighted Knecht’s professionalism and effort, rather than announcing a starting role or guaranteeing a place in the regular rotation.
The Lakers entered camp with 16 players on standard NBA contracts, according to reporting on their roster situation. That creates a decision to make before settling on a 15-player standard roster, with a trade or a cut among the possible routes.
Knecht has featured in speculation about those choices. However, a proposed trade and an expectation that a player could be waived are different from an announced transaction. The reports reviewed here did not establish that the Lakers had traded or released him.
Camp therefore remains consequential for the forward. Redick’s public praise reflects the work completed so far; the roster decision will depend on the team’s subsequent evaluation and any confirmed personnel moves.