Welcome to our annual Lakers season in review series, where we’ll look back at each player on the team’s roster this season and evaluate if they should be part of the future of the franchise. Today, we continue with a look at Dalton Knecht.
Things can move pretty fast in the NBA. Just ask Dalton Knecht.
After a strong collegiate career, Knecht was taken 17th by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 draft. Many analysts pegged the selection as a steal given pre-draft rumblings projecting Knecht to go as high
as the lottery. That sentiment seemed wise after his strong preseason and flashes of 3-level scoring ability throughout the year.
Things seemed to be looking up for Knecht and the Lakers. But then an unfortunate meeting with the rookie wall and a botched trade derailed Knecht’s trajectory.
The player who looked poised to be a key part of the Lakers’ future now must sit idly with a murkiness that comes next.
Let’s take a look at how Knecht’s performed this season and what may lie ahead.
How did they play?
In short, not well and not much.
After playing 76 games as a rookie, including starting 16, Knecht appeared in just 37 games, with one start, this season. His minutes, which primarily came during garbage time, dropped to just 11.3 per game from 18.6 last season.
Despite the expected ups and downs that come with being a rookie, Knecht shot the ball well in his first year as a pro. Compared to other NBA wings, Knecht’s 57.9% eFG% ranked in the 79th percentile, largely thanks to his ability to finish at the rim (74%) and from the 3-point line (38%).
Whether mental or otherwise, Knecht has failed to reach a similar level ever since. That was especially the case this season as his conversion rate at the rim fell by 10% and and from beyond the arc by 7%. As a result, his once impressive eFG% dropped by 6.8% as a sophomore (27th percentile).
Knecht’s offensive slippage wouldn’t be as much of a problem if he were able to offer value in other areas. However, the combination of his defensive deficiencies and general awareness concerns has put more pressure on his offense to keep him afloat.
With the Lakers’ improved depth on the roster, Knecht quickly fell down the team’s rotation. And every missed shot and rotation further sealed his fate.
What are their contract situations moving forward?
The Lakers signed Knecht to a 4-year deal following the draft. With a chance to cleanly cut ties with him, the team instead chose to pick up Knecht’s $4.2 million team option for the upcoming season. He has one more team option left on his deal before he becomes a restricted free agent in 2o28.
While there are those within the organization who hoped Knecht could bounce back, the decision to keep him in the fold was likely to ultimately use his contract as trade fodder.
After rescinding a deal that would have sent Knecht and draft capital to Charlotte for Mark Williams during his rookie season, the Lakers reportedly “aggressively shopped” him at this year’s trade deadline.
With no suitors, the Lakers will presumably scour the market again for a trade partner, either as a part of a bigger deal or in a salary-dumping maneuver to open up maximum spending ability this summer.
Should they be back?
It would behoove both parties if Knecht were on another roster by the start of the season.
Between the trade rumors and unclear path toward minutes, Knecht would benefit from a change of scenery. His landing on a team that can give him continued reps would be the best first step in rehabbing his image around the league.
For the Lakers, their desire to create financial flexibility and bolster their squad makes Knecht all the more expendable. He is already 25, and the team may already have his best-case outcome in Luke Kennard back next year, not to mention housing other younger players who have shown more promise.
With an expected influx of new talent this summer, the Lakers have their eyes set on the future. At one point recently, Knecht would have been a part of those plans. But instead, he is just the latest example of how fickle the NBA can be.
All stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise stated. You can follow Alex on Bluesky at @alexregla.bsky.social
