Lakers Made a Mistake with Dalton Knecht. What Is the Controversial Story Behind the Scenes?

When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, fans and analysts were initially thrilled. A sharpshooting wing with elite scoring instincts, Knecht had been projected to go as high as the top 10. But now, just months into his rookie campaign, there’s a growing narrative: did the Lakers make a mistake with Dalton Knecht?

Behind the scenes, controversy is brewing. From internal debates in the Lakers’ front office to coaching frustrations and locker room chemistry concerns, what once looked like a steal may now be a costly miscalculation. Let’s dig into the full story of how the Lakers may have mishandled one of the most promising prospects of the 2024 class.

The Promise of Dalton Knecht: A College Star Turned NBA Hopeful

Dalton Knecht entered the NBA as a scoring machine out of Tennessee, where he averaged over 21 points per game and was named SEC Player of the Year. He had the build of a prototypical NBA wing—6’6″, 210 pounds, athletic, and lights-out from deep.

Many scouts considered him a lottery-level talent. His ability to hit contested threes, move off-ball, and finish in transition made him an obvious fit for a team needing offensive firepower—like the Lakers, who were desperate for more perimeter scoring to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

So, when Knecht fell to them at 17, it looked like a dream scenario.

But now, insiders suggest that the Lakers’ pick was driven more by public relations and draft-night optics than sound long-term planning.

The Internal Debate: Scouting vs. Star Power Politics

According to multiple sources close to the organization, the Lakers’ scouting department was divided over the Knecht pick. While some scouts pushed for Knecht due to his scoring upside, others reportedly wanted to draft a defensive-minded guard or a high-upside big to prepare for the post-LeBron era.

One Lakers scout, speaking anonymously, claimed:
“There was pressure from ownership to take the most ‘NBA-ready’ guy. Knecht was flashy, but not necessarily what the team needed.”

Adding to the drama was the rumor that Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent and founder of Klutch Sports, had floated other names he preferred. When Knecht was selected, it allegedly didn’t sit well with the Klutch inner circle, leading to immediate tension between the front office and the superstar faction that holds sway over Lakers decisions.

Knecht’s Rocky Start: Struggling to Find a Role

In Summer League and early preseason games, Knecht showed flashes of brilliance—step-back threes, confident slashes to the rim, and high-energy plays.

But once the regular season began, his minutes shrank, and he found himself buried behind veterans like Austin Reaves, Taurean Prince, and Cam Reddish.

One source close to the team noted:
“The coaching staff didn’t trust Knecht’s defense. He was seen as a liability in switches and got cooked on pick-and-rolls in practice.”

Rather than helping the Lakers stretch the floor, Knecht’s presence became a tactical problem. Opposing teams targeted him, and head coach Darvin Ham grew reluctant to give him consistent minutes.

Fans began asking: why draft an elite scorer if you’re not going to let him score?

The LeBron Factor: The Clock Is Ticking

The decision to draft Dalton Knecht also raises larger questions about the Lakers’ long-term planning.

LeBron James is nearing the end of his career, and the Lakers’ window to win is shrinking fast. Instead of trading the pick or drafting a player who could help LeBron right now, the front office opted for a long-term project in Knecht.

That choice hasn’t sat well with some veteran players, who reportedly wanted the team to bring in a more seasoned contributor. According to a source close to the team, LeBron was “not unhappy, but confused” about the pick.

“Bron wants to win now. That pick didn’t help him. And when Bron isn’t fully on board, that affects everything.”

Frustration in the Locker Room: Is Dalton Knecht Being Iced Out?

Multiple insiders have noted that Knecht’s integration into the team hasn’t been smooth. Despite his willingness to learn and put in work, there’s been a chill between the rookie and some veterans.

An anonymous player said:
“He’s quiet, but you can tell he’s frustrated. He was a star in college, now he’s barely touching the ball in practice.”

That kind of internal friction—rookies unsure of their role, veterans unsure of the rookie—can create toxic energy in a locker room already under pressure to perform.

Some believe that if Knecht had been drafted by a team like San Antonio or Orlando, he’d already be starting and putting up double-digit points per game.

What the Analytics Say: Is There Hope for Knecht?

Despite the turmoil, Knecht’s numbers per 36 minutes are encouraging. He’s shooting 39% from three, has an effective field goal percentage near 55%, and is averaging 1.2 steals per 36.

The advanced metrics show that with more reps, Knecht could be a lethal offensive weapon. His instincts on cuts, spot-ups, and transition baskets are all NBA-caliber.

But none of that matters if he can’t get minutes.

As ESPN analyst Zach Lowe noted:
“Dalton Knecht is a modern NBA scorer waiting to explode. He just needs the right system—and the right coach—to trust him.”

The Bigger Picture: Did the Lakers Waste the Pick?

It’s too early to call Dalton Knecht a bust. But it’s fair to question whether the Lakers were the right fit.

By drafting a player who needs development and then not giving him the runway to grow, the Lakers may have sabotaged both his confidence and their own future.

Worse, this situation reflects a recurring problem with the Lakers: chasing short-term headlines instead of long-term team building.

In recent years, they’ve let young talent like Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, and Kyle Kuzma walk or get traded. Knecht could be the latest casualty in a franchise that prioritizes star power over player development.

What’s Next for Dalton Knecht?

If Knecht continues to be benched, don’t be surprised if he becomes a trade asset. Several rebuilding teams have already shown interest in giving him a real opportunity.

A source from the Eastern Conference said:
“We’d love to have him. He fits today’s game. The Lakers just don’t have the patience.”

Alternatively, the Lakers could change course, especially if the season begins slipping away. Giving Knecht more minutes could inject much-needed scoring and energy into a team that often struggles offensively outside of LeBron and Davis.

Fan Reaction: Divided but Hopeful

Lakers Nation is split on Knecht. Some fans are already calling him a bust. Others think he’s being set up to fail.

Here’s what fans are saying on X:

@LakeShowFaith: “Knecht is not the problem. The Lakers are. Play the kid!”

@PurpleGoldTruth: “We needed a defender, not another shooter. Should’ve gone with Collier or Edey.”

@WestbrookRedemption: “This franchise doesn’t know how to develop talent unless your name is Austin Reaves.”

Final Thoughts: A Mistake That Can Still Be Fixed

The Lakers may have made a mistake in how they drafted—and more importantly, how they’re handling—Dalton Knecht. But the story isn’t over yet.

He still has the tools to be a standout NBA player. What he needs is trust, minutes, and a system that believes in him.

If the Lakers aren’t that system, someone else will be.

And if they give up on him too early, this “mistake” could become another name on the long list of Lakers regrets—a player who thrived after leaving L.A.

Stay tuned, because Dalton Knecht’s story in the NBA is just beginning. But the Lakers’ decision to draft him—and how they’re treating him—could define their future.