Dalton Knecht Speaks Out About the Rookie’s Wild Journey and Ambitious Summer Plans

Dalton Knecht, the Los Angeles Lakers’ promising 24-year-old wing, has lived through the full spectrum of NBA reality in just one season. From the buzz of starting games early in his rookie campaign to the heartbreak of being traded — only to return after a failed medical voided the deal — and ultimately watching the playoffs from the sidelines, Knecht’s first year in the league was anything but ordinary.

Now, in the calm of a sun-soaked summer in Hermosa Beach, Knecht seems at peace. But make no mistake — he’s already plotting his next move, both on and off the court.

In an exclusive interview with Silver Screen & Roll, Knecht gave fans a candid look into his emotional journey, the city he’s learning to call home, and his next challenge: a return to Summer League.

Lakers Rookie, LA Local

The California weather might have something to do with it, but Dalton Knecht has embraced the Los Angeles lifestyle with a wide smile. Sitting outside El Pollo Loco — the site of the fast-food chain’s first-ever athlete partnership — Knecht met fans and media alike with ease and gratitude.

“It’s hard not to smile when you’re in 70-degree weather near the beach,” Knecht said, grinning.

This wasn’t just a press appearance. It was personal. Knecht has become the first athlete ambassador for El Pollo Loco, a partnership that reflects his down-to-earth personality and budding business instincts.

“It started off when I first got drafted here. I asked for good restaurants and one of the recommendations was El Pollo Loco. Started to try it and got blessed to do a sponsorship with them,” Knecht shared.

The restaurant chain even launched two new food items in conjunction with the event, making Knecht’s endorsement one of the brand’s most visible athlete collaborations to date.

A Rookie Season Filled with Twists and Turns

While this summer brings commercial success and sunshine, Knecht’s journey through the 2024-25 NBA season was anything but smooth.

• November: Knecht earned early starts and impressed with his poise and energy on the wing.

• Mid-season trade chaos: A trade deal sent him away from Los Angeles — a move that was abruptly reversed when the player he was exchanged for failed a medical check.

• End-of-season fade: Upon returning, he found himself out of the Lakers rotation, buried under a veteran-heavy lineup as the team chased playoff positioning.

“It was tough,” Knecht admitted. “Getting traded, then brought back, and then trying to find my place again — all of it messes with your rhythm. But I’m learning. That’s what this league is about.”

It’s the kind of adversity that could crush a lesser athlete’s confidence. But Knecht is choosing growth.

Summer League Return: A Chance to Reclaim Momentum

With the Lakers looking to retool around their young core and aging stars, Knecht sees Summer League as more than just extra reps — it’s an opportunity to redefine his role and prove he belongs in the long-term plans.

“Yeah, I’ll be playing Summer League again,” he revealed. “It’s a chance to get back to playing my game. No pressure, just compete and show I can lead out there.”

That mindset — humble, focused, and hungry — is what originally made Knecht one of the steals of the 2024 NBA Draft, and what Lakers fans are hoping to see rekindled in Las Vegas.

After showing flashes of elite shot creation and defensive hustle in college, his transition to the NBA has required patience. Now, with a year under his belt and the spotlight temporarily dimmed, he’s ready to shine again — this time with experience.

The LA Effect: More Than Just a City

Beyond basketball, Knecht’s bond with Los Angeles seems to be growing in subtle but meaningful ways. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, signing autographs for kids outside restaurants, or just walking around Hermosa Beach, Knecht is becoming a familiar face in the community.

“There’s something about this city. It’s fast, yeah, but it also gives you space. I’ve met some amazing people, and they’ve been really supportive, especially through the ups and downs.”

And those connections may be just as important for a young player’s career as minutes on the hardwood.

Building the Brand — and the Body

With more visibility comes more responsibility. Knecht isn’t just spending his offseason in the weight room — he’s building his brand, branching into marketing, and understanding the importance of public image in a media-heavy market like LA.

“I’ve got great people around me, and I’m learning how to balance everything — the court, the business, and just being me,” he said.

It’s a smart move. With the modern NBA increasingly valuing off-court persona alongside on-court production, Knecht is setting himself up for longevity, both in terms of opportunity and commercial viability.

What’s Next for Dalton Knecht?

There’s no script for a perfect second year in the NBA. But Dalton Knecht is writing his own playbook: work hard, stay humble, keep smiling — and seize every chance to improve.

Summer League will be his next chapter, and if he can show consistent defense, catch-and-shoot reliability, and veteran-level poise, he could very well work his way back into the Lakers’ nightly rotation next season.

The kid from Colorado who found himself in LA — lost, returned, and now rising — may just be one of the Lakers’ most intriguing long-term investments.