What happened: Los Angeles is carrying 16 standard-roster players and must get to the 15-player limit before the regular season opens Oct. 20. Unless the Lakers turn that into a two-for-one trade, one player has to come off the roster before opening night.

Why it matters: That deadline keeps pressure on the back end of the roster as the club shapes its 2026-27 bench and wing depth. Knecht has already surfaced in recent trade chatter, so this cutdown is more than simple bookkeeping.

What to watch: Watch whether Los Angeles clears the spot with a waiver or folds it into a two-for-one move. Preseason usage should offer the clearest hint about where Knecht stands before the opener.