Lakers expected to not waive $48M defensive menace over Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an interesting position, as they are currently one roster spot over the league's limit. They do have some time to make a cut or complete a trade to create the necessary space. It is simply a matter of what circumstances become available to them over the next month. Several names have been mentioned as potential roster casualties, and it appears the list has been narrowed down to three. “Clearly, the Lakers need to dump someone, and I think it's going to be one of three players," Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. "It's going to either be Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James. " LA has tried to make a trade that would free up a roster spot, but nothing has come to fruition yet. Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht have been on the trade block throughout the summer. “The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks. After gaining two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade, Los Angeles could consolidate those assets in a deal immediately for a starting-caliber wing," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote. Vanderbilt has a contract that many teams may be reluctant to take on, and he also has a strong relationship with Luka Doncic. With those factors in mind, it does not appear the Lakers are likely to waive or trade him this season. “Without finding another bad contract, like the one Thompson was on, to shorten the length of Vando's financial hit, the Lakers could be stuck. Vanderbilt might be secure in his position on the roster for yet another season as a result,” Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote. This could ultimately be a positive for LA because, if Vanderbilt can develop a consistent corner three, he could become a significant part of the rotation. He is also an absolute pest on the defensive end and is often capable of picking up opposing players full court. Vanderbilt is finishing out his $48 million contract with the Lakers. While the organization will eventually have to make a roster decision, it appears Vanderbilt can feel confident about his chances of remaining with the team. More NBA news:
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