The Lakers exercise team option for the 2026/27 season on a key player

The Los Angeles Lakers have decided to exercise their team option for the 2026-27 season on Dalton Knecht, as reported by Keith Smith of Spotrac. The move guarantees the third year of the player's rookie contract, valued at $4.2 million, ensuring his continuity for at least one more season.

This decision reinforces the Los Angeles franchise's commitment to the development of the 24-year-old small forward, who was selected 17th in the 2024 Draft. The next major decision regarding his contract will come in a year, when the Lakers will have to determine whether to exercise the option for the 2027-28 season, valued at $6.45 million.

If the team chooses to retain him for a fourth season, Knecht would be eligible for a contract extension in the summer of 2027, with the possibility of becoming a restricted free agent in 2028 if a new agreement is not reached before that date.

A promising start followed by ups and downs

Knecht made a positive impression at the start of his rookie year, averaging 12.2 points per game and shooting an impressive 43.9% from three-point range in his first 19 games. However, his performance declined as the season progressed, ending the season with 8.1 points on average and an efficiency of 34.8% from beyond the arc, in addition to showing some difficulties on the defensive end.

His performance in summer competitions also raised concerns. In the Summer League, the forward only shot 32.1% from the field and 23.7% from three-point range in six games. Similar figures were repeated in the preseason, with shooting percentages of 32.0% and 23.5% from long distance, also in six games.

Nevertheless, the Lakers maintain full confidence in his potential, aware that Knecht possesses the physical and technical tools to establish himself as a reliable perimeter scorer in the medium term.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Lakers ejercen la opción de equipo para la temporada 2026/27 sobre un importante jugador