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Lakers Exercise 2026–27 Team Option on Dalton Knecht

The move signals a low‑risk commitment that preserves evaluation time ahead of next year’s 2027/28 option decision.

Overview

  • Los Angeles guaranteed Knecht’s third year at $4,201,080, acting well before the Oct. 31 deadline.
  • The Lakers will decide in 2026 whether to pick up his fourth‑year option worth $6,452,859 for 2027/28.
  • If that option is exercised, Knecht would be eligible for a rookie‑scale extension in summer 2027 and could reach restricted free agency in 2028 absent a new deal.
  • The 2024 No. 17 pick started his rookie season hot before sliding to 8.1 PPG with 34.8% from three while struggling defensively.
  • He shot poorly in Summer League and preseason, yet the team opted to retain control; he is the only Laker with a rookie‑scale option for 2026/27.