The Los Angeles Lakers waived Dalton Knecht on Monday, in what was their final roster move before the 2026-27 season begins.
The 25-year-old’s two-year run with Los Angeles was tumultuous. Knecht, though, remained classy when addressing his now former franchise with a Facebook post after being released.
“Thank you, Los Angeles. Thank you to the Lakers organization, my teammates, the coaching staff, and especially the fans who supported me from day one. Wearing the purple and gold was an honor I will always cherish. Every moment, every lesson, and every opportunity helped me grow not only as a player but also as a person,” Knecht wrote.
“Things may not always go the way we expect, and sometimes life takes us in a different direction. Leaving this chapter behind is never easy, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent one of the greatest franchises in NBA history. The love, the support, and the memories will always mean something special to me.
“To the Lakers fans, thank you for believing in me, cheering for me, and being part of this journey. Although my time in Los Angeles may be over, my passion for the game remains the same. This is not the end of my story. It is simply the beginning of another chapter.
“Forever grateful for the purple and gold. 💛💜 / Thank you, Lakers Nation. 🙏❤️.”
Credit to Knecht for showing nothing but love to the Lakers’ franchise and fan base.
The No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft will now look to carve out a role for himself in another organization.
