The Los Angeles Lakers removed Dalton Knecht from the lineup in a disappointing 135-117 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, and it was the first time since Dec. 14 that the second-year forward wasn’t part of the rotation. He did play the final 93 seconds of the game, but the contest was already decided. Head coach JJ Redick put Knecht back into the rotation in mid-December, but fans may not have noticed.
The 24-year-old averaged 3.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.6 minutes per over the last 13 games. He shot 36.2 percent from the field and 21.9 percent on his threes. Knecht scored in double figures just once, despite being known as a scorer. The defensive issues remain, and the Lakers finally went away from him on Thursday night.
The Lakers certainly regret drafting Knecht, and fans are questioning if he even sticks in the NBA. The 6’6 wing struggles to make shots and is a subpar defender. Coach Redick gave him a lengthy chance to prove himself, but even he appears to have given up.
Dalton Knecht was removed from the rotation again
Redick used a nine-man rotation on Thursday night when the game was still in doubt, with Kobe Bufkin taking Knecht’s spot. The Lakers just signed Bufkin to a ten-day contract just two days ago. The former first-round draft pick was dumped by the Hawks and Nets earlier this year. He was playing for the South Bay Lakers in the G League before landing a ten-day deal, and the Lakers trusted him over Knecht against the Hornets.
Fans can’t be shocked. Los Angeles traded Knecht in the Mark Williams deal that was later rescinded at last season’s deadline. The 6’6 wing has struggled to make shots since. The Lakers will likely look to move on again before Feb. 5 if they can find a taker.
LA has a negative-4.9 net rating in Knecht’s minutes this season, and they are 6.6 points per 100 possessions worse when he’s in the game. The Lakers want to contend for a championship. They can’t afford to play a 24-year-old wing who hurts them on both ends of the floor.
It is difficult to see Knecht’s future in Los Angeles. He is a score-first player on a roster with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. There are never going to be significant shots or ball-handling opportunities on this team.
It is best for both sides to move on. Knecht is out of the rotation again. They drafted a older player in hopes Knecht would contribute immediately. He still can’t be part of the rotation in his second NBA season. There have been plenty of opportunities, but Knecht has squandered them all.
The Los Angeles Lakers removed Dalton Knecht from the rotation after 13 forgettable games. No team with a serious eye toward contending can play a scorer consistently shooting under 30 percent from 3-point range. Knecht’s confidence appears to be gone, and the only solution is a fresh start. Do not expect to see the 24-year-old on their roster after the trade deadline. It is on Knecht to make the Lakers regret it, but this sadly isn’t happening in Los Angeles.