Austin Reaves’ Weakness is a Golden Opportunity for Dalton Knecht to Shape the Lakers’ Future

As the Los Angeles Lakers move into yet another pivotal offseason, a glaring issue threatens to undermine their ambitions of returning to championship form: Austin Reaves’ persistent catch-and-shoot struggles. While the talented guard has carved out a meaningful role in L.A.’s rotation, his inability to consistently knock down open threes is becoming a problem—especially next to a ball-dominant force like Luka Doncic.

Enter Dalton Knecht, a rookie whose efficient shooting and offensive upside are becoming impossible to ignore.

Reaves’ Playoff Woes Reveal a Disturbing Trend

Reaves’ role on the Lakers hinges on his ability to space the floor, especially with Luka Doncic now assuming primary playmaking duties. Unfortunately, the numbers tell a story of alarming decline. In the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Reaves shot just 34.5 percent on catch-and-shoot threes—a figure already below ideal. But the real concern lies in the 2024 postseason, where he buried just 16.7 percent of such attempts.

That’s not just a slump—that’s a trend.

Reaves brings plenty of value as a secondary ball-handler, crafty scorer, and high-IQ decision-maker. But if his off-ball shooting doesn’t improve, the Lakers’ offensive flow, especially with Doncic and LeBron James on the floor, will suffer. In a league driven by shooting, particularly from role players, the Lakers can’t afford weak links.

Dalton Knecht Offers a Sharpshooting Solution

Dalton Knecht might just be the answer the Lakers have been waiting for.

Despite a tumultuous rookie year—including inconsistent minutes and a failed trade due to Mark Williams’ physical—Knecht made an impression where it matters most: shot-making. In just 19.2 minutes per game, Knecht averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 three-point field goals made, translating to 17.0 points and 3.1 threes per 36 minutes.

His .461/.376/.762 slash line underscores one thing clearly: he can shoot the basketball.

What sets Knecht apart isn’t just his volume—it’s his precision and poise, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations. In the 2024-25 season, Knecht knocked down 37.4 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes, but here’s the kicker: that figure jumped to 43.0 percent after Doncic debuted on February 10.

The synergy is undeniable. Doncic’s elite vision and gravitational pull create ideal scenarios for off-ball shooters. And Knecht thrives in exactly that role.

Elite Shooting from Every Spot on the Floor

Dalton Knecht isn’t just effective in one zone—he’s deadly from multiple spots.

• Corner Threes: 43.9%

• Above the Right Break: +2.8% above league average

• Above the Left Break: Just 0.2% below league average

• Restricted Area: 8.3% above league average

These metrics paint a picture of a versatile, efficient, and well-rounded offensive player. As an off-ball threat alongside Doncic, James, and Reaves, Knecht’s shooting unlocks spacing that the Lakers simply didn’t have last postseason.

That matters even more with LeBron’s advancing age and Doncic’s need for room to operate. The Lakers can’t rely solely on name value—they need reliable shooting, and Knecht provides just that.

Reaves Can Still Contribute—but the Rotation Needs to Change

To be clear, Austin Reaves isn’t expendable. His basketball IQ, clutch moments, and ability to create off the dribble give the Lakers options. But if he continues to struggle off-ball, the team has to protect itself by having a ready alternative—and Knecht is not just a backup plan. He’s a legitimate weapon.

Reaves can still start or share ball-handling duties, but Knecht deserves a more prominent role, especially when the Lakers need to stretch defenses and punish help defenders. In today’s NBA, spacing is currency, and Knecht might be the Lakers’ most valuable asset in that department.

Dalton Knecht’s Shooting Could Be His Saving Grace in Trade Talks

Ironically, it’s Knecht’s value that nearly saw him shipped out of Los Angeles. A deadline trade with Charlotte collapsed due to Mark Williams’ failed physical, but Knecht’s inclusion made one thing clear: other teams see his value.

If the Lakers consider major roster shakeups this summer, Knecht’s shooting could make him a key trade chip. But that’s also why they may be wise to keep him. Teams are desperate for high-efficiency floor spacers who don’t need the ball. That’s exactly what Knecht is becoming—and those players are worth their weight in gold.

Keeping him and elevating his role could prove more beneficial than flipping him for a veteran who might not fit quite as seamlessly.

Can Knecht Be the Lakers’ Next Great Shooting Specialist?

The Lakers have a history of underutilizing young shooters—Malik Monk, Svi Mykhailiuk, and others come to mind. Knecht could follow that path if not prioritized. But there’s a real opportunity here: for once, the Lakers have a cheap, young, elite shooter on the roster, already building chemistry with their stars.

Knecht’s profile—efficient, confident, and low-usage—makes him the ideal backcourt complement to Doncic and James. If L.A. wants to fix its floor spacing issue, they can start by locking in on what’s already in-house.

Final Verdict: Dalton Knecht Must Stay—and Play

In the modern NBA, every contender needs that one knockdown shooter who changes defensive coverages just by being on the floor. Dalton Knecht is that player for the Lakers. With Austin Reaves struggling to fill that role, the door is wide open for Knecht to cement himself as a core piece of the Lakers’ future.

Reaves may bounce back. He has the tools. But regardless of his trajectory, Knecht’s emergence should no longer be a question of “if,” but “when.”

If the Lakers want to capitalize on the Doncic-LeBron window, they must start by unleashing the player best suited to make their offense hum.