Lakers predicted to part ways with $18M former first-rounder after underwhelming season
The Lakers have lost all confidence in this former exciting player.
Lakers predicted to part ways with $18M former first-rounder after underwhelming season originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Los Angeles Lakers were performing well heading into the playoffs until disaster struck, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both suffering injuries at the same time.
The Lakers were competing for a championship, making them a legitimate contender —just as LeBron James wanted. “LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future.
He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career. ” With the injuries, it was expected that some young players would need to step up.
Dalton Knecht was anticipated to get some minutes, but that didn’t happen, making it clear this is his last year in Los Angeles. “The two sides must part ways in the offseason. The Hornets wanted Knecht at the 2025 trade deadline, but his value has disappeared.