Lakers struggle, Dalton Knecht shines: Do his brave shots reveal the weaknesses of the Purple and Gold team?

The 2024–2025 NBA season has brought renewed hope to Los Angeles Lakers fans, but despite a roster filled with superstar talent and championship aspirations, the team continues to struggle with inconsistency. Amid this turmoil, one unexpected bright spot has emerged: Dalton Knecht, the fearless rookie whose clutch performances and brave shot selection are turning heads across the league. While the Lakers falter under the weight of their own expectations, Knecht’s rise may be exposing deeper structural flaws within the Purple and Gold franchise.

As LeBron James continues to defy Father Time and Anthony Davis puts up impressive stat lines, the Lakers still find themselves falling short in critical moments. But what if the problem isn’t just about who’s aging or who’s injured? What if a rookie’s willingness to take and make the big shots is revealing something more unsettling — a leadership void, systemic inefficiency, and over-reliance on talent instead of cohesion?

Dalton Knecht: From underdog to offensive catalyst

Dalton Knecht’s journey to the NBA was anything but conventional. From junior college standout to SEC Player of the Year at Tennessee, Knecht’s rise has been fueled by resilience, grit, and an unshakable confidence in his shooting. When the Lakers selected him in the 2024 NBA Draft, few expected him to become a rotation regular, let alone one of the few dependable shot-makers in high-pressure situations.

Yet in a matter of weeks, Knecht has become an indispensable piece of the puzzle. His ability to knock down three-pointers in transition, cut without the ball, and create space with quick footwork is rare for a rookie. What’s even more impressive is his fearlessness — he’s not afraid to take the big shots, even when surrounded by Hall of Famers. And sometimes, those brave decisions seem to be the only thing keeping the Lakers competitive.

The Lakers’ offensive identity crisis

While Knecht’s performances are inspiring, they also highlight a glaring issue: the Lakers lack a cohesive offensive identity. Too often, the team seems caught between old-school, iso-heavy sets built for LeBron and a modern pace-and-space system that demands movement and three-point shooting. The result is a jumbled mess of halfcourt possessions, miscommunications, and rushed attempts.

When Knecht is on the floor, the ball moves better. His off-ball intelligence forces defenders to react, creating open looks for teammates. In contrast, when the offense stagnates around LeBron or Davis, defenses collapse into the paint, knowing the Lakers aren’t lethal enough from deep to punish them.

That’s where Knecht’s brave shots become more than just scoring attempts — they’re a challenge to the team’s flawed structure. Every time the rookie nails a contested three or cuts through traffic for a finish at the rim, he unintentionally shows what the Lakers are missing: decisiveness, spacing, and rhythm.

Can Dalton Knecht sustain this level of play?

One of the biggest questions now is whether Dalton Knecht can maintain this level of efficiency and confidence throughout an 82-game season. He’s already faced some of the league’s toughest defenses, and so far, he hasn’t backed down. His shooting mechanics, decision-making, and ability to adjust mid-game suggest that he’s more than just a hot hand — he’s a long-term contributor.

However, sustainability will also depend on coaching. Darvin Ham must find ways to consistently integrate Knecht into meaningful rotations, especially in the fourth quarter. This means trusting a rookie in crunch time — a bold move, but one that may be necessary if the Lakers want to stop their late-game collapses.

The other factor will be how defenses adjust to him. Scouting reports are already catching up, and Knecht will face more aggressive closeouts and physical defenders. His ability to read the floor, move without the ball, and finish through contact will be tested. But if he passes that test, he may be more than just a complementary player — he could become a future starter or sixth man for the franchise.

Veteran dependence and team chemistry concerns

One of the ongoing criticisms of the current Lakers roster is their over-dependence on veterans. While LeBron and Davis continue to put up impressive individual numbers, their dominance sometimes comes at the expense of team chemistry. The offense often slows down, and younger players are hesitant to make mistakes, resulting in missed opportunities.

In contrast, Knecht plays with urgency and confidence, often injecting energy into a team that can sometimes look flat and predictable. His willingness to shoot early in the shot clock and take advantage of defensive gaps stands in stark contrast to the overcautious approach many of the veterans take.

The coaching staff must now ask: Why is a rookie showing more aggression and instinctive decision-making than players with years of NBA experience? Is it a systemic issue? A lack of accountability? Or simply the result of a stagnant, outdated offensive philosophy?

Brave shots under pressure: Confidence or desperation?

There’s another angle worth exploring: are Knecht’s big shots a symbol of his fearlessness, or do they reflect desperation from a team with no better plan? While it’s tempting to celebrate every buzzer-beater and clutch three, there’s a pattern developing. Knecht often takes shots in moments when no one else on the court is willing — or able — to step up.

This isn’t just about stats; it’s about mentality. A 22-year-old rookie should not be the most assertive perimeter option on a team with championship aspirations. His shots may win games, but they also raise questions about the Lakers’ offensive hierarchy and the confidence levels of their core stars.

Is LeBron looking to conserve energy for the playoffs? Is Davis reluctant to handle offensive responsibility in critical moments? Or is Knecht simply the best option right now due to his confidence and shot-making? Either way, it’s clear that Knecht is being relied upon to do more than expected — and that might not be a good sign for the Lakers’ long-term stability.

Defensive gaps exposed by offensive inefficiency

Knecht’s rise has also shone a spotlight on the Lakers’ defensive vulnerabilities. When the offense stalls, turnovers increase, and transition defense becomes a disaster. Knecht’s three-point bursts often come after defensive breakdowns, serving as emergency responses rather than planned plays.

This trend is unsustainable. If the Lakers continue to rely on a rookie’s offensive spark to cover up deeper defensive and strategic flaws, they risk burnout and further locker room tension. Knecht isn’t a savior — he’s a promising young talent whose growth could be stunted if the team fails to fix its foundational issues.

How the Lakers can build around Dalton Knecht’s strengths

If the Lakers want to maximize Knecht’s impact, they need to develop a more modern, dynamic offense. That includes:

• Incorporating more movement sets and off-ball screens tailored to Knecht’s agility.

• Using him in pick-and-pop situations where his shooting can stretch defenses.

• Surrounding him with defenders who can rotate and switch to protect against breakdowns when he’s focused on offense.

This also means trusting Knecht with more responsibilities, whether as a secondary playmaker or closer in tight games. If the coaching staff and front office see him as a long-term asset, they must begin tailoring parts of their strategy around his strengths — much like they did for Austin Reaves during his breakout.

Conclusion: Knecht’s brave shots are a wake-up call

Dalton Knecht wasn’t supposed to be the Lakers’ clutch performer. He wasn’t expected to carry offensive possessions or bail out late-game collapses. But that’s exactly what he’s doing — and it’s both exciting and alarming.

On one hand, the Lakers may have struck gold with a rookie capable of handling elite NBA pressure. On the other, his emergence highlights the weaknesses in a team struggling to find identity, balance, and execution. Knecht’s boldness is a breath of fresh air, but it shouldn’t be a crutch for a roster that is underperforming despite its pedigree.

If the Lakers want to salvage the season and build a future beyond the LeBron era, they must take Knecht’s brave shots as a sign: not just of his talent, but of what the team lacks. Confidence. Structure. Urgency. And most of all — a clear direction.