Dalton Knecht's role with the Los Angeles Lakers has been inconsistent, at best. Having the type of fluctuation that he has within the rotation cannot be easy for a young player. The Lakers have responded in kind to help get their second-year shooter going.
Dan Woike of The Athletic reported that Knecht, alongside Adou Thiero, has been assigned to the South Bay Lakers. That would be the first assignment for the Lakers sophomore of the 2025-26 NBA season.
The Lakers do not play again until Thursday night, when they are on the road to face the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, South Bay has a matchup tonight against the San Diego Clippers.
Giving Knecht the extra reps, even if it is with the G League affiliate, makes a ton of sense for the 24-year-old. It could be the first step in a longer plan to have the former Tennessee product involved in the bigger picture for the Lakers.
Dalton Knecht could bolster his stock right in time for Lakers to benefit
Knecht has only played above 10 minutes in one of his last five appearances with the Lakers. Two of those games featured the Lakers scorer getting less than five minutes on the court. The other two matchups had him firmly planted on the bench for the entire game.
Better players than Knecht have struggled to get consistent playing time in the rotation this season for JJ Redick. The reps needed for the second-year man to develop are just not going to be found with the main team too often.
Situationally, there will always be moments that call for Knecht. At 36.2 percent from beyond the arc this season, the former 17th overall pick is still one of the more reliable shooting options on the Lakers roster. His shortcomings in other areas have kept him off the floor otherwise.
This spell with South Bay will probably be short. However, there will always be the option for an extended approach here.
The significance of the assignment happening on Dec. 15 could be a coincidence, but that just so happens to be the start of trade season as well. Knecht has heard his name in trade rumors ever since the Mark Williams trade awkwardly fell apart.
There is little room to showcase him at the NBA level as the Lakers battle for seeding in the second tier of the Western Conference. On the other hand, Knecht has every opportunity for minutes with South Bay. Perhaps a strong performance, or two, gets eyes back on him as a prospect.
Whether that is the strategy or not, there is absolutely no harm done in the assignment by the Lakers. Knecht has played over 15 minutes only 10 times this season. South Bay should give him the opportunity to shake some rust.