Lakers Part Ways With 2 Players Ahead of Season Opener

The Los Angeles Lakers have parted ways with two players ahead of their 2026-27 season opener. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, a 25-year-old un-drafted player who had a successful overseas career, was waived following their final preseason game. Tait-Jones averaged 15.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League during the 2026 season, winning Finals MVP.

Rafael Castro, another un-drafted player, also saw limited playing time with the Lakers, scoring two points and grabbing three rebounds in a 10-minute stint against the Warriors. Castro played six minutes against the Nuggets on Friday. The team's roster trimming precedes potential major decisions, with Dalton Knecht set to be traded out of the Lakers.

Knecht, a third-year wing, was already playing a diminished role behind new additions like Quentin Grimes, Cameron Carr, and Matisse Thybulle. Head coach JJ Redick explained the shrinking of Knecht's role, citing the team's changes and evolving needs. The Lakers have until Monday to finalize their 15-man roster before the start of the season, which kicks off against the Warriors on October 18.