If Dalton Knecht Improves His Defense – This Will Be Why the Lakers Don’t Need Anyone Else!

Heading into the 2025 NBA season, one of the biggest questions surrounding Dalton Knecht isn’t about his scoring—it’s about his defense. A talented scorer and shooter with undeniable offensive potential, Knecht was a standout during his college days and entered the NBA with high expectations. However, early in his rookie season, one flaw became evident: defensive inconsistency.

Yet, if the young shooting guard can elevate his defense, the Los Angeles Lakers may not need to look outside the roster to fill key gaps. Here’s why.

Dalton Knecht’s Offensive Talent Is Not in Question

From the moment Dalton Knecht was drafted, his scoring prowess was never doubted. A gifted shooter with range, a strong mid-range game, and solid athleticism, Knecht made waves during Summer League and pre-season matchups. His ability to create space, shoot off the dribble, and knock down catch-and-shoot threes made him an immediate offensive weapon.

During his college years at Tennessee, Knecht was one of the most efficient scorers in the country. His shot selection, footwork, and mental composure in pressure situations were qualities rarely seen in rookies. On the offensive end, he has already shown glimpses of being a rotational piece—or even more.

So Why Isn’t He a Starter Yet? One Word: Defense

Despite his offensive upside, Knecht struggled to maintain a consistent role in the Lakers’ rotation because of defensive shortcomings. Whether it’s getting caught on screens, slow lateral movement, or ball-watching off the ball, Knecht’s defense simply isn’t NBA-ready—yet.

This has caused head coach JJ Redick and the Lakers’ coaching staff to limit his minutes, especially in games where perimeter defense is critical. On a roster with aging veterans and a championship goal, defensive lapses can’t be tolerated.

But There’s a Reason for Optimism

The most important thing to remember: Dalton Knecht is not a poor athlete. In fact, his combine numbers show he has the agility, length, and vertical explosion to be a capable defender. His issues aren’t physical—they’re mental and technical.

What does that mean? With the right coaching, film study, and system, Knecht can absolutely become at least a neutral defender—if not a solid one. And in the NBA, “average” defense combined with elite shooting can be a recipe for a 10-year career.

Why the Lakers Should Be Invested in His Development

1. Shooting Wings Are Expensive: In the modern NBA, 3-and-D players are the most sought-after commodity. If Knecht can develop into a competent defender, he fills that 3-and-D archetype at a rookie-scale salary. That’s a luxury few contenders can afford.

2. He Complements LeBron and AD: The Lakers need spacing around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. If Knecht can stay on the court defensively, he becomes a lethal floor spacer, allowing stars to operate more freely in the half-court.

3. Internal Growth Saves Assets: Rather than giving up draft picks or young talent to chase external shooters or wing defenders, the Lakers could simply nurture one of their own.

Signs of Improvement Already Showing

Reports from training camp and closed scrimmages suggest Knecht has been putting in significant work with assistant coaches focused on defensive drills. He’s studying film on great defenders, improving his stance, and working on conditioning to stay locked in for longer stretches.

In recent matchups, we’ve seen Knecht fight through screens more effectively, rotate with greater urgency, and contest shots with better timing. He’s not perfect, but the improvement is clear.

What the Lakers Can Do to Help Knecht Take the Next Step

• Use Him in Zone or Hybrid Schemes: Early in his defensive development, the Lakers can hide Knecht in zone or hybrid defensive sets, where he’s less exposed to one-on-one isolation.

• Assign a Veteran Mentor: Pairing him with a defensive-minded vet like Jarred Vanderbilt or even studying film with Taurean Prince could accelerate his growth.

• Set Clear Defensive Benchmarks: The coaching staff should give Knecht weekly defensive goals—closeouts, deflections, defensive rating—to track his improvement and build confidence.

If Dalton Knecht Figures It Out… the Lakers Are Suddenly Dangerous

Let’s be clear: the Lakers are not short on talent. But they are short on dependable, two-way players on the wing. If Dalton Knecht can prove he belongs on the court for more than his shooting, he could become the missing piece in a title-contending rotation.

• Imagine a lineup where Knecht spaces the floor, hits 40% from deep, and doesn’t bleed points on defense.

• Imagine the flexibility it gives LeBron to rest, or AD to focus on rim protection instead of perimeter switches.

• Imagine not needing to trade for a Buddy Hield or spend on an overpaid free agent.

Conclusion: Defense Is the Key to Unlocking Dalton Knecht’s Full Potential

Dalton Knecht already has the offensive toolkit. Now, the question is whether he can turn his physical gifts into defensive reliability. If he can—even just to a league-average level—the Lakers will have uncovered a hidden gem.

In a Western Conference full of explosive guards and dynamic wings, the Lakers need young, energetic players who can hold their own on both ends. Knecht doesn’t need to become Kawhi Leonard. He just needs to be “good enough.”