As training camp and the 2026-27 NBA season slowly approach, it is time to start taking a look at what each member of the Los Angeles Lakers should be working on this summer and how each of them can help the team be as successful as it can be.
Therefore, LeBron Wire is outlining three goals for each Lakers player this coming season.
Dalton Knecht has gotten only sporadic playing time during his first two seasons in the league, and he has repeatedly come up in trade rumors. But he remains on the Lakers' roster, and while it will be tough for him to get playing time, considering how many other viable players the team has at the wing position, he could be worthy of a closer look if he accomplishes these three goals.
Improve on the defensive end
It is believed that a big reason
why coach JJ Redick doesn't trust Knecht to play meaningful minutes is because of Knecht's lack of defense. He doesn't exactly display a high level of defensive awareness or IQ, and he often seems to be out of position on that end of the floor.
When Knecht was on the floor this past season, the Lakers had a net rating of minus 8.5. When he wasn't on the floor, they had a positive net rating of three. Interestingly, their defensive rating went from 113.7 when he was on the court to 115.3 when he was off the court.
Be a more consistent 3-point shooter
Knecht came into the NBA two years ago with a reputation for being a 3-point specialist. He had a couple of stretches as a rookie where he got hot and remained hot from the outside, but he also had extended stretches where he was cold.
If he becomes someone who will always be a reliable shot-maker from the outside, he should catch Redick's attention and perhaps make Redick consider whether he should get a little more playing time.
Find other ways to score
When he got playing time as a rookie, Knecht showed the ability and willingness to move without the ball, finish strong at the rim and even hit shots off the dribble from the mid-range area.
Doing more of that would certainly help his cause. One thing Knecht should also focus more on is getting involved during transition opportunities, both as a ball-handler and as a finisher. That is something he did fairly well at times as a rookie, and his subtle athleticism should help him become a part of L.A.'s transition attack, especially now that the team is a little younger and speedier.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers player goals for 2026-27 season: Dalton Knecht
