Dalton Knecht and 78 Impressive Rookie Games: Why Did the Lakers Push Him to the Sidelines in the Playoffs, and What Does That Mean for This Rookie’s Future?

Dalton Knecht came into the 2024 NBA season as a relatively under-the-radar rookie with a chip on his shoulder and a game that impressed many who watched closely. After putting together 78 solid regular season appearances with the Los Angeles Lakers, it was no surprise that fans expected him to have a role in the playoffs. But as the intensity of the NBA Playoffs ramped up, Knecht was curiously sidelined. While stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis took center stage, Knecht’s minutes vanished. The big question now looms: Why did the Lakers bench Knecht in the postseason, and what does this decision mean for his promising NBA future?

Dalton Knecht’s Rise During the Regular Season

Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, Dalton Knecht didn’t come into the league with the hype of a top-10 pick. But what he lacked in spotlight, he made up for in consistent, blue-collar performance. Over 78 games, Knecht showcased an impressive blend of outside shooting, athleticism, and high basketball IQ. Averaging around 10 points per game on solid shooting splits, Knecht quickly carved out a reputation as one of the most reliable young wings on the Lakers’ roster.

Notably, Knecht’s ability to space the floor proved vital for a Lakers team often criticized for lacking consistent three-point threats. He also showed a knack for timely cuts, defensive effort, and a willingness to compete every night — traits that usually earn a rookie minutes deep into the season.

The Surprising Playoff DNPs: Why Knecht Vanished

So, with all of that in mind, why was Dalton Knecht pushed to the sidelines when the Lakers entered the playoffs? The answer isn’t as simple as performance. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham and the coaching staff made several rotation changes once the playoffs began, opting for more experienced, defensive-minded veterans to navigate the high-stakes postseason environment.

In particular, defensive matchups became the priority. With the Lakers facing teams loaded with All-Star-caliber wings and guards, Ham leaned on players like Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, and even Max Christie in key moments. These were players who had more playoff reps or fit specific defensive schemes better — at least in theory. That tactical decision ultimately left Knecht without a clear role, even as fans and analysts scratched their heads watching L.A. struggle at times to generate offense from the bench.

Was It the Right Call? Evaluating the Lakers’ Strategy

It’s fair to question whether benching Knecht was the right move. While he’s not an elite defender, Knecht’s offensive impact could have helped alleviate some of the Lakers’ scoring droughts. In the postseason, when every possession matters, a shooter like Knecht who moves well without the ball and can stretch defenses could have created crucial space for LeBron and AD to operate.

Some argue that Ham’s conservative rotation strategy cost the team a valuable spark off the bench. Others defend the move, pointing out Knecht’s inexperience and the coaching staff’s desire to trust battle-tested players. However, the fact remains that the Lakers’ offense looked stagnant at times — and Knecht’s scoring punch was nowhere to be found when it may have been needed most.

LeBron and the Veteran Culture: A Tough Locker Room for Rookies?

Playing alongside LeBron James can be a dream scenario for many young players, but it’s also a tough environment to break through in. LeBron-led teams have always emphasized championship expectations, and that means limited patience for rookie mistakes. The same dynamic existed with players like Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart, who all struggled to flourish during LeBron’s early Lakers tenure before eventually thriving elsewhere.

Dalton Knecht, despite his productivity, may be experiencing the same challenges. The pressure to win now, especially in what could be LeBron’s final years with the Lakers, often leads coaching staffs to prefer veterans in tight playoff rotations. Knecht’s playoff benching isn’t necessarily a reflection of his talent — but rather, of the urgent, title-or-bust mentality that defines the Lakers’ current window.

How Did Knecht Respond to the Playoff Snub?

Publicly, Dalton Knecht has handled the situation with professionalism. He’s remained engaged on the bench, supportive of teammates, and committed during practice sessions. According to team insiders, Knecht has continued to work on his defense — the one area that may have limited his playoff minutes. Internally, there’s no sign of frustration or discontent from the rookie. In fact, many within the Lakers organization have praised his attitude and work ethic, suggesting that he’s very much still a part of their future plans.

What Does This Mean for Knecht’s NBA Future?

So, where does Dalton Knecht go from here? His rookie year — even with the playoff DNPs — should be considered a success. Very few late first-round picks play 78 games in Year 1 and show the offensive consistency that Knecht did. His shooting stroke, basketball IQ, and physical tools suggest he has long-term value in today’s NBA.

The key moving forward will be expanding his defensive capabilities and becoming more versatile — a must in a league that prizes two-way wings. With more offseason development, Knecht could return in 2025 as a more complete player and potentially earn a locked-in rotation spot from Day 1.

Is a Change of Scenery Possible?

Given how valuable young shooters are in the modern NBA, it’s not out of the question that other teams could inquire about Knecht in trade discussions. If the Lakers decide to pursue a major roster shake-up in the offseason — possibly in search of another All-Star to pair with LeBron and Davis — Knecht could be part of a trade package. But would that be a bad thing? Not necessarily. A team with a greater developmental focus could give him the opportunity to flourish and take on a larger role immediately.

However, based on early indications, the Lakers still see Knecht as a valuable long-term piece. General Manager Rob Pelinka and the front office understand the value of cost-controlled, productive rookie contracts — especially on a team with three max-level players. Letting a talent like Knecht walk would be shortsighted unless a deal blows them away.

Fan Reaction: Support for Knecht Grows

On social media and across Lakers fan forums, there has been an outpouring of support for Dalton Knecht. Many fans questioned why he wasn’t given at least spot minutes in the playoffs, especially in games where the Lakers’ offense sputtered. The Lakers faithful have embraced Knecht’s gritty, no-nonsense approach and efficient playstyle. Many see him as the kind of player who could thrive in the mold of Austin Reaves, another unheralded guard who became a critical piece of the Lakers’ core.

Knecht’s Path Forward: More Than Just a Role Player?

If Dalton Knecht continues to improve at his current rate, it’s possible he could evolve beyond just a reliable role player. His offensive game has shades of Desmond Bane — strong shooting, deceptive athleticism, and underrated playmaking. If he can add a bit more on-ball creation and become a switchable defender, the Lakers might find they’ve uncovered a gem in the mid-to-late stages of the draft.

As the NBA transitions further into positionless basketball, players like Knecht who can do a little bit of everything become invaluable. If he takes the playoff benching as motivation — which all signs indicate he will — don’t be surprised if he returns next season as one of the most improved second-year players in the league.

Final Thoughts: Setback or Setup for a Breakout?

While it may seem like a setback, Dalton Knecht’s playoff absence could end up being the fuel he needs for a breakout sophomore season. The Lakers clearly trusted him enough to play in 78 regular-season games. The postseason snub isn’t the end of his story — it may just be the beginning of a redemption arc that sees him become a major contributor on a contender or even take on a starting role down the line.

In a league built on resilience and opportunity, Knecht has already shown he belongs. The next step? Proving that not only should he be in the playoff rotation — he should be a playoff difference-maker. For now, all eyes are on how he responds, and if his rookie year is any indication, Dalton Knecht is just getting started.