Another bad night for Dalton Knecht, shooting 3 out of 15 with a -13 +/-.

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht continues to search for rhythm in the NBA Summer League, following another off shooting night against the L.A. Clippers. While his energy and effort are still present, his scoring touch has once again failed to show up.

Dalton Knecht’s Full Stat Line vs. Clippers

• 8 Points

• 7 Rebounds

• 2 Assists

• 1 Steal

• -13 Plus/Minus

• 1-of-4 Free Throws

• 1-of-8 from Three-Point Range

• 3-of-15 Field Goals

• 29 Minutes Played

A Rough Night Offensively

Knecht came into the Summer League with big expectations, hailed as one of the most NBA-ready shooters in the 2024 Draft. But the numbers tell a different story. He shot just 3-for-15 from the field, and 1-for-8 from deep, showing clear signs of discomfort and hesitation with his shot.

Even more worrying was his 1-for-4 performance at the free-throw line, something that rarely happened during his standout year at Tennessee. The lack of efficiency from the charity stripe reflects a lack of confidence that continues to linger.

Effort Still Shines Through

Despite his offensive woes, Knecht did show hustle on both ends. He pulled down 7 rebounds and contributed 2 assists, giving glimpses of his versatility and willingness to contribute in other areas when his shot isn’t falling. His 1 steal also reflected solid defensive effort and awareness.

However, his -13 plus/minus was among the worst on the Lakers’ roster, showing the team consistently struggled when he was on the floor.

Coaches Remain Patient

The Lakers’ Summer League coaching staff is not panicking over Knecht’s struggles. Instead, they continue to emphasize the development process.

“He’s still learning the speed of the game at this level,” said Summer League head coach Dane Johnson. “He’s doing the right things off the ball and staying aggressive. The shots just aren’t falling — yet.”

Adjusting to the NBA Pace

Knecht was a dominant scorer in college, averaging over 21 points per game at Tennessee. But now, he’s facing tougher defenders, faster closeouts, and a more physical brand of basketball. Adjusting to the pace and spacing of the NBA takes time, especially for scoring guards.

His shot selection also needs refinement. Several of his missed attempts against the Clippers were heavily contested or rushed early in the shot clock. A calmer, more selective approach could help him find rhythm more consistently.

What Needs to Improve

Free Throw Confidence

Shooting just 25% from the line isn’t acceptable for a pure scorer. Knecht needs to find his form and rhythm again — getting easy points from the line could help him settle into games quicker.

Shot Selection and Flow

Forcing tough jumpers has become a recurring problem. He must find ways to get cleaner looks — either through better off-ball movement or improved pick-and-roll decision-making.

Mental Reset

Sometimes all a player needs is a strong game to reset the confidence switch. Knecht is clearly pressing on offense, and one efficient outing might be enough to turn things around.

Looking Ahead

The Lakers have two more games scheduled in the Summer League. If Knecht wants to enter training camp with momentum — and prove he’s worthy of minutes in the rotation — he’ll need to deliver soon.

With other rookies grabbing attention and making a case for themselves, the pressure is slowly mounting on the 23-year-old wing. His mechanics are clean, and the potential is there. It’s just about putting it all together on the court.

Final Thoughts

Yes, Dalton Knecht’s Summer League so far has been underwhelming, but this isn’t the time for panic. Plenty of talented players have started slow before blossoming. He remains a smart pick for the Lakers — one with real upside as a shooter and secondary scorer.

But make no mistake: the next couple of games will be important. If Knecht wants to show he belongs in the NBA right away, it’s time to find that scoring touch that made him a standout in college basketball.