The Los Angeles Lakers have put Dalton Knecht back into the rotation, but fans may not have noticed. He has played in 11 straight games, but is averaging just 3.2 points on 36.8 percent shooting from the field and 23.1 percent on his threes. The Lakers selected him 17th overall as an older rookie. They thought he’d be ready immediately, but he’s looking like he won’t stick in Los Angeles.
Knecht was billed as an elite scorer who could space the floor and bend a defense coming into the league. He scored 21.7 points per game and shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range for Tennessee. It seemed like JJ Redick was the perfect coach to unlock him as a sharpshooter, but Knecht’s confidence has become a problem ever since the failed Mark Williams trade that would have sent him to Charlotte.
To make matters worse, there are several rotation players breaking out who were selected after Knecht in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Lakers passed on Tristan da Silva, Ajay Mitchell, Jaylen Wells, Jaylon Tyson, and Kyshawn George to take Knecht. Los Angeles desperately needs a 3-and-D wing next to Luka Doncic, which makes this draft pick look even more foolish.
Lakers' regret in drafting Dalton Knecht keeps growing
Rob Pelinka and the front office had no idea they would be able to trade for Luka when they took Knecht, but they are the Lakers. Los Angeles is always chasing the next superstar and knew a pursuit was coming as LeBron’s career winds down. Taking a score-first wing known to struggle on defense was a problem, especially when the Lakers already had Austin Reaves, Anthony Davis, and King James on their roster.
There is no reason to think Knecht has trade value at this point. His minutes and production are down from a rollercoaster rookie season. The 24-year-old should be entering his prime, but he can barely get on the floor. When he does, the Lakers have a negative-5.6 net rating and are 7.1 points per 100 possessions better without him on the floor.
The Lakers will shop the 6’6 wing as they search for upgrades before the trade deadline. It only takes one team to have interest, but Knecht’s value is at an all-time low. The Lakers have been outscored by 48 points in his 412 minutes, and Knecht is an offense-first player who isn’t making shots or spacing the floor.
Depth is an issue in Los Angeles. The Lakers are searching for trusted wings that can make shots and defend. Knecht’s issues on defense are a problem for any roster with eyes on contending. His best chance of avoiding bust status is being traded to a contender that juices up his offensive role and gives him the confidence to shoot.
The Los Angeles Lakers regret drafting Dalton Knecht over a host of better fits on the wing. It is another knock to Rob Pelinka’s track record. The Lakers must nail their picks in this era because cheap contracts are crucial. Pelinka desperately needs a win if they keep their first-round selection in 2026. Knecht isn’t turning it around, and that will continue to be a problem for LA until he’s off their roster.