Coach Lindsey just revealed the truth about Dalton Knecht’s injury. After the shocking moment with the Mavs

When Dalton Knecht walked into the NBA Summer League this July, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. After a rookie season filled with ups and downs, trade rumors, and inconsistency, the 24-year-old sharpshooter needed to show the Los Angeles Lakers and the rest of the NBA that he belonged—not just as a role player, but as a potential cornerstone of the franchise.

But as the bright lights of Las Vegas shined down on the Lakers-Mavericks matchup, the script didn’t exactly go as planned. Knecht’s shot was still struggling to fall, the pressure was mounting, and then—what every young player dreads—he went down, grabbing his leg in pain.

The Injury Scare That Had Lakers Fans Holding Their Breath

The moment happened late in the fourth quarter of an already tense game. While No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and Bronny James drew national headlines, Knecht was grinding through a tough shooting night, still searching for rhythm. He drove hard to the basket, missed the layup, and then came down awkwardly.

Immediately, concern swept through the gym and across social media. The Athletic’s Dan Woike summed it up perfectly in a tweet:

“Dalton Knecht was grabbing at his knee, leg after missing that last layup. Hobbled through the next play and the Lakers have to take a timeout and get him out of the game.”

As Knecht sat on the bench, clearly uncomfortable, it looked like his crucial offseason had hit a disastrous setback.

Thankfully, It Was Just a Cramp—But the Pressure Remains

After the game, Lakers Summer League coach Lindsey Harding offered some relief: it was just a calf cramp, not a serious injury. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, Harding confirmed:

“He cramped up, but he’ll be fine.”

But while the injury scare faded, the bigger question loomed larger than ever: Can Dalton Knecht overcome his rocky Summer League start and prove he’s a long-term piece of the Lakers’ future?

A Rocky Rookie Season: Trade Rumors and Lost Confidence

Knecht’s first year in purple and gold wasn’t what he—or the front office—had hoped for. Despite flashes of brilliance, like his 35-point outburst against the Denver Nuggets, his role fluctuated wildly.

At one point during the season, rumors swirled that he was nearly traded to the Charlotte Hornets in a package for big man Mark Williams. In the playoffs, he found himself glued to the bench. For a player who entered the league as a polished scorer out of Tennessee, it was a sobering experience.

Knecht’s Strength: Elite Shooting Potential

Still, the raw talent is undeniable. Knecht finished his rookie season third among all first-year players in three-pointers made and three-point shooting percentage. His stroke is smooth, his confidence unwavering when he’s in rhythm, and his ability to score off the dribble and on catch-and-shoot opportunities makes him a matchup problem for opposing defenses.

It’s why teammates like Austin Reaves have publicly backed him. On a recent podcast, Reaves didn’t hesitate when asked who he thought could break out next season for the Lakers:

“I got Dalton,” Reaves said, sharing a story about Knecht coming to him in the locker room, humbly asking, “What do I need to do to get on the court?”
“His shot-making ability’s through the roof,” Reaves added.

Summer League So Far: Flashes, But No Breakthrough

Unfortunately for Knecht, his Summer League stat lines have been a mixed bag. In the California Classic against the Spurs, he dropped 25 points and 8 rebounds, looking every bit like a future starter. But in Vegas, the pressure has been heavier, and the results uneven.

Against Dallas, he shot just 6-for-16 from the field, struggling to find the consistency fans and coaches expected. The Mavericks narrowly defeated the Lakers 87-85 in a thrilling game highlighted by Cooper Flagg’s game-saving block and Bronny James’ near buzzer-beater.

Knecht’s night, however, was defined not by the scoreboard, but by his determination to keep grinding despite adversity. That hunger is what may ultimately save his Lakers career.

JJ Redick’s Mentorship: Learning from a Fellow Shooter

One positive development for Knecht this summer has been his growing relationship with new Lakers head coach JJ Redick. Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter himself, understands the mindset of a scorer and has been spending one-on-one time with Knecht both on and off the court.

“We’ve been working out, having lunch, talking about the game,” Knecht said after a practice session. “It’s good to learn from someone who’s been in your shoes, who knows what it’s like to fight for your spot.”

That mentorship could be key. Redick’s career was built on finding ways to contribute beyond shooting—through off-ball movement, defensive effort, and basketball IQ. Those are the exact areas where Knecht needs to grow.

The Defense Question: Can Knecht Stay on the Floor in Crunch Time?

Perhaps the biggest concern surrounding Knecht isn’t his offense—it’s his defense. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka made that clear when, during Summer League, he spoke glowingly about recent signing Jake LaRavia, praising him as a “high IQ two-way player” and a “disruptive defender.”

It wasn’t hard to read between the lines. The message to Knecht: scoring alone won’t keep you on the court in Los Angeles. If you want to play meaningful minutes alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, you have to hold your own defensively.

So far, Knecht’s defense has been a work in progress. His lateral quickness and awareness aren’t yet at an NBA playoff level. This summer, every possession, every closeout, every defensive rotation matters.

A Make-or-Break Offseason at Age 24

Unlike some Summer League standouts, Knecht isn’t 19 or 20 years old with years of development ahead. At 24, he’s older than Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and a host of rising stars. The Lakers drafted him as a mature, NBA-ready player, expecting him to contribute right away.

That’s why this Summer League is so critical. It’s not just about putting up points against other rookies and fringe players. It’s about proving he can lead a team, defend at a high level, and become the kind of reliable role player who thrives in the postseason spotlight.

The Trade Rumors Aren’t Going Away

Adding to the pressure is the constant background noise of trade speculation. The Lakers, with championship aspirations and an aging core, are always one piece away from making a big move. Knecht’s name has surfaced repeatedly in trade talks for players like Mark Williams, and that likely won’t stop until the trade deadline passes.

If Knecht can’t solidify his place in the rotation this summer, the front office may not hesitate to include him in a deal for another defensive-minded wing or backup center.

The Bright Spots: Shooting and Confidence

But let’s not lose sight of what Knecht has shown. His confidence hasn’t wavered despite the challenges. He recently posted an Instagram highlight reel reminding fans—and maybe himself—of his best rookie moments.

When his shot is falling, Knecht looks like a guy who could one day average 16-18 points per game as a third scoring option. His stroke is pure, his footwork sharp, and his competitive fire undeniable.

The question now is whether he can put it all together on both ends of the floor.

Final Thoughts: Can Knecht Be a Piece of the Lakers’ Future?

As the Summer League rolls on, Dalton Knecht’s story is far from finished. The injury scare turned out to be minor, but the pressure remains enormous.

He has the tools to be a valuable piece for the Lakers—but he needs to show consistency, defensive effort, and leadership. With JJ Redick guiding him and Austin Reaves supporting him, the opportunity is there. Whether he seizes it is entirely up to him.

For Knecht, the message is clear:
This summer isn’t just about highlights.
It’s about survival.
It’s about proving he belongs—not just in the NBA, but as a future star in Lakers gold and purple.