# The Lakers still have two names on the block

> Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht are reportedly on the move before Opening Night, and the roster math says someone has to go.
- Title: The Lakers still have two names on the block · California Post
- Summary: Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht are reportedly on the move before Opening Night, and the roster math says someone has to go. A 16-man roster has to be 15…
- Keywords: lakers, nba, trades, roster moves, dalton knecht, news, entertainment, still, two, names, block, California Post
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/12/sports/lakers-looking-to-trade-2-players-before-start-of-season
- Published: 2026-09-12T18:01:50+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lakers, nba, trades, roster moves, dalton knecht, news, entertainment
## The retool isn't done
Weeks after the whole roster flew to Slovenia for Luka Doncic's four-day minicamp, two of the players on that trip are reportedly available.

> The Lakers may not be finished retooling their roster.
## Two names on the block
Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reports the Lakers are shopping Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht ahead of Opening Night.
## Sixteen into fifteen
The roster sits at 16 players and the limit is 15. Trading or waiving someone is the only way out, and these two are the front-runners.

> The Lakers have 16 players on their roster and need to trim it to 15.
## Knecht was already traded once
In February 2025 he went to Charlotte for center Mark Williams. Three days later Williams failed his physical and Knecht was shipped back to LA.
## Vanderbilt's contract is the problem
Two years and $48 million remain on his deal, which makes him far harder to move or waive than a third-year player on a rookie contract.
## Still hunting a wing
Missing out on Jonathan Kuminga left a hole at versatile wing defender. The Lakers are trying to fill it before the season tips off.

> LA still has a hole on the roster
## Key takeaway

A 16-man roster has to be 15 by Opening Night, and Vanderbilt and Knecht are the two most likely to be cut loose.