The Los Angeles Lakers have one player too many on the current roster and will have to get rid of one player before the regular season starts. Signing forward Matisse Thybulle increased the roster and ensured that they’d have to lose one of the other players. Bronny James is one name commonly discussed since many fans wonder if the Lakers will keep him after losing his father LeBron James in free agency.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha said the following about which names he believes could be gone soon:
“And at that point, it doesn’t really matter from a financial perspective unless you’re waiving someone who’s got additional years. So, I guess it’s a competition between Bronny, Jaden Hardy, and Dalton Knecht. I’d probably lean Dalton.”
The trio of Knecht, Hardy, and Bronny were named as the realistic options to get cut before next season. All three have varying levels of skill sets to argue for or against them. Buha referenced Knecht as the favorite to be gone since he’s failed to develop since getting drafted to Los Angeles. Bronny was also named since he’s less important to the team after LeBron joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
Why Lakers Could Cut Bronny James
One thing working against Bronny is that the Lakers have a strong guard depth compared to forward or center. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are likely going to play around 35 minutes each per game as the two engines expected to run the entire Lakers offense.
Collin Sexton was signed in free agency to become a sixth man off the bench and play guard minutes when one of the two starters sit. Bronny essentially lost his chance at getting more playing time after Sexton and a few other players got signed to slot above him in the pecking order.
Quentin Grimes may start at small forward, but he plays more like a shooting guard to add even more depth there. The forward core being far weaker means that Knecht or Hardy could easier get time with their taller height and better versatility than Bronny.
Insider Believes Bronny Will Ultimately Stay
The report from Buha stated that Bronny is on the short list of names who can get realistically cut, but he isn’t the most likely option. Buha named Knecht as the most likely name to get traded or cut since the Lakers no longer believe in him with the same confidence as when he was selected by Rob Pelinka.
Last season saw head coach JJ Redick barely playing Knecht and showing no faith in him improving during the season. The Lakers could trade Knecht or another player to another team for a second-round draft pick to lose the roster spot without taking anyone back. Knecht stands out more there, even with the team losing LeBron and Rui Hachimura.
Forwards Thybulle and Jake LaRavia are expected to have bigger roles than Knecht. Hardy seems more likely to get a chance in training camp since Redick has less time coaching him. Expect Knecht to be the odd man out, but the Lakers could also cut Bronny if they want to keep forward depth.
Lakers Insider Says Bronny James Could Get Cut Before Season