Dalton Knecht is highly regarded by JJ Redick as the Lakers’ playoff savior – So why is this coach ignoring him on the bench?

As the NBA playoffs approach, all eyes are on the Los Angeles Lakers. While much of the attention has centered on superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, it’s rookie Dalton Knecht who has become one of the most talked-about players on the roster—for reasons both promising and puzzling. Despite being praised by JJ Redick, the Lakers’ head coach, as someone who could “help us win a game in the playoffs, maybe multiple games,” Knecht has recently seen his minutes drastically reduced. The big question is: why is one of the Lakers’ most dynamic offensive talents being left on the bench at such a crucial point in the season?

Dalton Knecht’s impact as a rookie shooter

Knecht’s regular season showcased his potential to contribute significantly in high-pressure moments. The rookie guard, known for his scoring instincts and energy, earned early praise with his ability to stretch the floor and hit contested shots. His standout moment came during an April 5th game against the New Orleans Pelicans. With Rui Hachimura sitting out, Knecht was inserted into the rotation and responded with an efficient 12-point performance in just 20 minutes. He shot 5-of-10 from the field, including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc. His spark off the bench helped the Lakers cruise to a 124-108 win, and it reignited conversations about his importance to the team’s offensive depth. JJ Redick, a first-year coach trying to lead the Lakers on a deep postseason run, acknowledged Knecht’s readiness and impact after that game. He said, “We feel like he’s a guy who can help us win a game in the playoffs. Maybe multiple games because of his shooting and his ability to score the ball.” Redick also highlighted Knecht’s energy and mentality, citing his first possession—a gritty offensive rebound followed by a putback—as a sign that “he was locked in.” The comments from Redick were a clear endorsement, but they haven’t yet translated into consistent minutes for Knecht.

JJ Redick’s playoff rotation leaves Knecht sidelined

One of the main challenges lies in Redick’s playoff rotation strategy. Like many coaches preparing for postseason basketball, Redick is trimming his lineup to focus on an 8- or 9-man rotation. That means fringe players—even talented ones like Knecht—can find themselves squeezed out of playing time. It’s not uncommon in the playoffs, where experience, defense, and trust in established veterans become prioritized. For a rookie like Knecht, the path to meaningful minutes gets narrow—especially on a roster stacked with forwards and guards competing for the same minutes. Still, this hasn’t stopped fans and analysts from questioning the logic. Many believe that Knecht’s offensive skill set—especially his three-point shooting and ability to score off the dribble—could be exactly what the Lakers need to unlock tougher playoff matchups. He’s shown an ability to shift momentum and break scoring droughts, which is invaluable when going against playoff-caliber defenses. With the Lakers occasionally struggling to generate consistent offense beyond their stars, Dalton Knecht presents a reliable bench option who can heat up quickly.

Dalton Knecht’s maturity and readiness stand out

Another reason this situation is drawing so much attention is Knecht’s maturity. Despite limited minutes, the 23-year-old has carried himself with professionalism and confidence. He’s not pouting or disengaged—he’s preparing for his number to be called. After the Pelicans game, he spoke about staying focused and doing whatever he can to help the team. “I try to put on a show for fans,” Knecht said, referencing his role as a spark plug off the bench. “You never know when your moment is going to come, so I just try to stay ready.” This mindset is rare in rookies, especially those who were stars in college and now must adjust to a supporting role. Yet Knecht, who transferred and climbed his way to prominence at Tennessee, is no stranger to earning everything he’s got. That background gives him the patience and resilience to handle adversity, and it’s why many insiders still believe he’ll find a way to make an impact in the postseason. The coaching staff has repeatedly emphasized that they haven’t lost confidence in him. Redick reiterated that “we haven’t given up on Dalton” and hinted that matchups would dictate his playing time. In other words, if the Lakers face a team that plays smaller lineups or struggles to defend the perimeter, Knecht could suddenly become a strategic asset. In a seven-game series, adjustments are constant, and a player like Knecht—who can catch fire at any moment—might just be the X-factor the Lakers didn’t know they needed.

Can Dalton Knecht be the Lakers’ secret playoff weapon?

In the meantime, the conversation around JJ Redick’s benching of Knecht continues to grow. Some fans have voiced frustration online, wondering how a player so highly regarded can be glued to the bench. Others trust Redick’s long-term strategy, arguing that he’s simply preserving the rookie for the right moment. Regardless of where one falls on that debate, there’s no denying that Dalton Knecht has earned a shot. His mix of energy, offense, and professionalism makes him one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the playoffs. It’s also worth noting how much the Lakers need bench scoring. While LeBron and AD remain the anchors of this team, they can’t carry the full offensive load every night—especially in the playoffs when defenses tighten. The Lakers’ second unit has been inconsistent all year, and there’s a legitimate argument that Knecht, with his ability to shoot and create, could elevate that group. He doesn’t need to play 30 minutes a night—but 10 to 15 well-timed minutes could be the difference in close games. Another factor is team chemistry. Knecht’s teammates have embraced him, and it’s clear that he’s earned their respect. His ability to fit into different lineups without disrupting flow, and his readiness to play off the ball or create his own shot, makes him adaptable in ways that are rare for rookies. In playoff basketball, versatility is gold. Looking ahead, the key question remains: Will JJ Redick give Dalton Knecht the green light when the games matter most? If recent praise is to be believed, then the answer should be yes. But playoff rotations are notoriously tricky, and every minute is scrutinized. Redick may be waiting for the right moment—a scoring drought, an injury, or a matchup advantage—to unleash Knecht on an unsuspecting opponent. If and when that moment comes, fans and analysts alike expect Knecht to be ready. And based on everything he’s shown this season, there’s no reason to believe he won’t deliver. Whether it’s in Game 2 of the first round or deep into a conference final, Dalton Knecht seems destined to make a name for himself in the 2025 playoffs.

In conclusion, Dalton Knecht’s journey this season represents a compelling mix of patience, talent, and untapped potential. While JJ Redick carefully crafts his playoff rotation, it’s only a matter of time before Knecht’s offensive firepower proves too valuable to ignore. For a Lakers team chasing another championship, unlocking the energy and scoring of their rookie sharpshooter could be the hidden key to postseason success.