The Los Angeles Lakers began the 2025-26 regular season with a brutal 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors. The most heartbreaking development of all, however, was Dalton Knecht being omitted from the rotation.
On a night when LeBron James was sidelined and the bench mustered just 18 points, Knecht didn't receive a second of playing time—but his path back is clear to see.
Los Angeles' second unit continued the longstanding trend of failing to produce in anything resembling a sufficient manner on offense. Marcus Smart led all reserves with nine points on 3-of-6 shooting, while Jake LaRavia added five points on four attempts and Jaxson Hayes tallied four on three shots.
Four different reserves played at least 12 minutes, including Smart at 23 and LaRavia with 16, but offense was scarcely provided—let alone attempts at generating it.
It's a continuation of a trend that has unfortunately come to define elements of the JJ Redick era. The starting lineup is more than capable of producing at a high level, mustering 91 points and 22 assists during the opener, but the Lakers' second unit finished the 2024-25 season at No. 29 in points per game and appears to be picking up where it left off.
Los Angeles' offensively-inclined starters need the defensive support that the second unit provides, but Knecht offers a pivotal opportunity to improve in an obvious area of need.
Lakers need Dalton Knecht to save second unit's putrid offense
Knecht has his share of flaws, particularly in regard to the inconsistency he displays on the defensive end of the floor. That will inevitably play a role in how often he'll factor into Redick's rotation, as the trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves has defensive issues of its own.
The second unit has been a virtual non-factor on the offensive end of the floor for more than a year now, however, and it doesn't appear as though there's a resolution in sight.
Knecht has all of the ability to buck the trend by simply factoring into the rotation on a consistent basis. He averaged 9.1 points per game and 17.5 points per 36 minutes during his rookie season, shooting at an efficient clip of .461/.376/.762.
On a per-36 basis, Knecht ranked No. 4 amongst rookies in points and No. 1 in three-point field goals made while finishing at No. 2 in eFG% behind only Zach Edey.
Knecht's efficient production could go a long way toward alleviating pressure from Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. The season opener was a clear display of how dire the need is for help on offense, as Doncic and Reaves combined for 69 points and 18 assists, yet Los Angeles only scored 109 as a team.
Deandre Ayton with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting was the only other Lakers player who scored in double figures, while Rui Hachimura added nine on 3-of-6 shooting.
Ayton's seven shot attempts were the third-most of any Lakers player, which is indicative of the true problem at hand. Los Angeles doesn't just need points on the board, but a player who can come in with a fearless mentality and take the shots that others are clearly shying away from.
If the problem that dates back to 2024-25 persists, then Knecht should have a clear path to work his way back into the rotation.