Dalton Knecht has called Hollywood home for two seasons after a brief disruption to that during his rookie campaign. Maintaining that as the status quo requires significant work on his part right now. A betting man would not be liking his odds to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of opening night.
It took a little while but JJ Redick finally acknowledged Knecht's existence after a few days of Lakers practices had passed. Khobi Price and fellow reporters were there to capture the lukewarm soundbite from the third-year head coach.
"First of all, he's been a pro. He's been in the gym. Like he has since Day 1, he has worked his butt off all offseason. And he's had a good three days of practice. So I don't think his approach changes. I know he's hungry to play and hungry to earn a spot in the rotation."
There was just a bit of enthusiasm that lacked in Redick voice's when saying all that. Everyone knows the roster crunch to get the Lakers from 16 to 15 is coming. As the start of the regular season draws closer, the confidence in Knecht staying in Los Angeles grows weaker.
The clock is ticking on Dalton Knecht's time with the Lakers
For many, Knecht exiting Los Angeles is already overdue. Things have never been quite right since that botched Mark Williams trade. That has brought us to this current stage of him fighting for an end-of-roster spot on the Lakers.
Guys like Bronny James and Jaden Hardy are some of the other players being identified in that competition. By contrast, Redick has spoken highly of both James and Hardy being able to help the team on the offensive end as they stagger the minutes of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Of a similar nature, the new arrivals on the wings in Los Angeles are also being propped up quite highly. It has not been hard to find heaps of praise for guys like Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and company. Things have been quiet for Knecht by contrast.
Beyond that, think back to Lakers Media Day for a second here. Knecht was asked about what gets him on the floor this season. The third-year pro mentioned shooting and rebounding off the jump before eventually reminding himself that defense is also a part of the equation.
That is oddly concerning considering everyone else has firmly caught on to just how much Redick has emphasized the defensive end over the summer. Could it have been a momentary slip? Sure. Could it also have been a lapse of focus on the whole? Just as possible.
The point here today has been to read between the lines on the little things. Add up all those small bits and you get one big assessment staring you in the face. Knecht is number 16 for the Lakers right now.
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