Dalton Knecht Faces Make-or-Break Moment as Lakers Demand His Best

Dalton Knecht, the Los Angeles Lakers’ 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, enters the 2025-26 season with a clear opportunity: leverage his shooting to secure a consistent role off the bench. In an era where spacing rules modern-day basketball, the second-year guard’s long-range prowess could be his ticket to meaningful minutes in a rotation that has often struggled for perimeter shooting.

Rookie Season Highlights: Proof of Shooting Talent

Knecht arrived in Los Angeles with the reputation of being one of the top 3-point threats in his draft class. His rookie season validated that billing. In 78 regular season appearances, he averaged 9.1 points per game while shooting 37.6 percent from beyond the arc on 4.4 attempts per game.

This performance showcased Knecht’s ability to stretch defenses, an attribute that can be a game-changer for a Lakers roster lacking reliable shooters beyond its stars. For Knecht, the path to consistent minutes in 2025-26 hinges on making his shooting the primary selling point for coaches and analysts alike, including respected voices like JJ Redick, who has often highlighted the value of floor-spacing guards in modern NBA offenses.

Lakers’ Shooting Void and Opportunity for Knecht

The Lakers’ roster composition in 2025-26 presents a prime opening for Knecht. While the team boasts star scorers like LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the depth beyond the main guys is limited in terms of shooting. Jovan Buha, a respected NBA analyst, recently emphasized this issue, noting that the Lakers’ rotation “just does not have a lot of shooting outside of the main guys.”

Buha added:
“I think for L.A., needing some shooting, and a guy who can just space the floor and get hot, I still see the value in Dalton.”

With the Lakers shooting 36.6 percent from three-point range in the 2024-25 regular season—ranking them 14th in the league—there is room for improvement. While the team ranked fourth in three-point attempts after the All-Star break, the efficiency and spacing required to maintain a modern offense is crucial. Dalton Knecht’s shooting ability positions him to fill that gap effectively.

Spacing Rules Modern-Day Basketball

Modern NBA offenses are heavily dependent on spacing. Guards who can consistently hit three-pointers open driving lanes for stars, create mismatches, and provide secondary scoring options. For the Lakers, spacing is particularly critical with a ball-dominant star like Luka Doncic running the offense in certain lineups. Players like Knecht can take advantage of Doncic’s ability to attract defensive attention, turning open looks from deep into points for the team.

Spacing is not just about shooting; it’s about creating offensive rhythm. Knecht’s presence on the floor can help prevent defenses from collapsing on stars like LeBron or Reaves, forcing opponents to respect the perimeter. This kind of floor spacing can change how the Lakers attack and improve their efficiency across the board.

Balancing Offense and Defense

While Knecht’s shooting is his main selling point, his ability to stay on the floor also depends on defensive contributions. Coaches need guards who can space the floor without being a liability on the other end. If Knecht can maintain competent defense, particularly in pick-and-roll situations or on-switch matchups, he will have a strong case for carving out a consistent role in the rotation.

The Lakers’ system emphasizes a balance of scoring and defense. For Knecht, proving he can be a net positive on both ends will be critical in avoiding “garbage minutes” or being labeled as a one-dimensional player. A steady defensive effort combined with his shooting could make him indispensable off the bench.

Importance of 3-Point Efficiency

The Lakers’ shift toward spacing and three-point shooting aligns with the trends set by elite modern offenses. After adopting a system that emphasizes open perimeter shots, the team’s three-point percentage post-All-Star break increased to 37.6 percent, ranking 10th in the league. Maintaining or improving this rate in 2025-26 will require capable shooters like Dalton Knecht on the floor.

Knecht’s ability to knock down shots consistently not only contributes points but also enhances the offense’s flow. Floor spacing opens driving lanes, allows for better ball movement, and prevents defenses from overloading paint protection. For the Lakers, which have historically relied on star talent for scoring, additional shooters can reduce pressure on primary scorers and improve overall team efficiency.

The Role of Veteran Mentorship

As a second-year player, Knecht benefits from guidance from experienced teammates and staff. Having mentors like JJ Redick or seasoned players on the roster can help Knecht refine his shot selection, develop off-ball movement, and understand defensive rotations. This combination of skill development and basketball IQ growth is vital for a young shooter looking to establish a long-term role.

Projected Rotation and Opportunities

Assuming Knecht can maintain his shooting efficiency and remain defensively reliable, he is projected to have a spot in the Lakers’ rotation. With limited depth in perimeter shooting, coaches may turn to Knecht in lineups requiring spacing, particularly against teams with elite interior defenders. His minutes may increase in late-game situations, when floor spacing and catch-and-shoot threats are paramount.

Moreover, as the Lakers continue to adapt their offense to suit Doncic’s playmaking style, Knecht could see more opportunities to thrive off the ball. Moving without the ball, spotting up for open threes, and converting hot streaks can make him a key contributor in specific rotations.

Conclusion: Dalton Knecht’s Path Forward

Dalton Knecht’s shooting will likely be the defining factor in his pursuit of a consistent bench role for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26. Modern basketball places a premium on spacing and perimeter efficiency, and Knecht fits that mold perfectly.

With his 37.6 percent three-point shooting from his rookie season and the Lakers’ pressing need for shooters, Knecht has an opening to carve out meaningful minutes. If he balances his offensive contributions with solid defense and takes advantage of opportunities created by stars like LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic, he can secure a role that goes beyond “rookie potential” and establishes him as a reliable scorer off the bench.

Ultimately, spacing rules modern-day basketball, and Dalton Knecht may be the perfect example of how a sharpshooter can create value and impact games without dominating the ball. The 2025-26 season will reveal whether Knecht can take this next step and become an indispensable part of the Lakers’ rotation.