Dalton Knecht Ends Turbulent Rookie Season with Game 5 Loss to Timberwolves: Did the Lakers Make a Mistake?

The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025 playoff run came to a disappointing end in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, capping off a turbulent rookie campaign for Dalton Knecht. Selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht entered the Lakers’ locker room as a mature rookie with big expectations. But with the season now over and the Lakers once again falling short of their championship ambitions, the question must be asked: Did the Lakers make a mistake with Dalton Knecht?

As debates swirl across sports talk shows, online forums, and social media, Knecht’s inaugural year with the Lakers demands an honest and thorough evaluation. Was the Tennessee product unfairly overlooked by the coaching staff? Did the high-pressure environment of the Lakers hinder his development? Or were there warning signs in his game that signaled potential pitfalls all along?

The Lakers’ High-Stakes Environment and Rookie Challenges

Joining a team led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Dalton Knecht was thrust into an environment with little margin for error. The Lakers’ veteran-heavy roster, championship expectations, and intense media scrutiny make Los Angeles one of the most difficult places for a rookie to develop. For Knecht, the transition from SEC college ball to the spotlight of Hollywood basketball wasn’t smooth.

Throughout much of the season, Knecht struggled to find consistent minutes, often being used in situational rotations. Head coach Darvin Ham opted to lean heavily on veteran wings like Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, and Max Christie, while Knecht played sporadically—despite showcasing flashes of promise as a scorer and slasher.

Dalton Knecht’s rookie stats—averaging 5.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and shooting 42% from the field over just 13.4 minutes per game—don’t leap off the page. But context matters. His usage was inconsistent, and he was rarely given extended stretches to establish rhythm. Critics argue that a more rebuilding-focused team might have allowed him to grow more organically. Instead, the Lakers’ win-now mentality left little room for rookie mistakes.

Game 5 Against Timberwolves: A Symbolic Finish

In the decisive Game 5 against Minnesota, Dalton Knecht played just 6 minutes and went scoreless, missing both of his shot attempts. The Lakers were overwhelmed by a younger, more athletic Timberwolves squad led by Anthony Edwards, whose aggressive style and playoff poise only further highlighted what the Lakers were missing—youthful explosiveness and energy on the wing.

For fans frustrated with the Lakers’ stagnant offense and slow defensive rotations, seeing a dynamic scorer like Knecht stapled to the bench became symbolic of deeper organizational issues. The team lacked shooting consistency and secondary scoring when LeBron or D’Angelo Russell went cold. Many asked: Why not give the rookie with scoring upside a real chance?

The decision to underutilize Knecht in the playoffs, despite ongoing offensive droughts, is now a lightning rod for criticism. If the Lakers hoped to inject fresh energy into the team, why not trust the very player they invested a first-round pick in?

Did the Lakers Misuse Dalton Knecht?

One of the biggest questions emerging from the 2024–2025 Lakers season is whether Darvin Ham and the coaching staff failed to properly develop Knecht. In college, Knecht thrived as a confident, aggressive scorer with an ability to shoot off the dribble and attack the rim. His physicality, shooting mechanics, and basketball IQ were praised by scouts across the league.

So what changed?

The answer might lie in the system and hierarchy of the Lakers. LeBron James remains the primary ball-handler and playmaker, while the offense is often dictated by his reads and AD’s post presence. Knecht, whose college success came from a free-flowing, motion-heavy offense, was reduced to a standstill catch-and-shoot role in LA’s halfcourt sets.

The result? He often looked out of rhythm or hesitant. And once those minutes shrank, confidence appeared to follow.

Rookie Wall or Mismanaged Talent?

Some fans are willing to be patient, citing the “rookie wall” as a natural part of the NBA learning curve. Knecht, after all, played just one season of Power 5 basketball and needed time to adjust to the league’s physicality and pace. But others believe that the Lakers’ coaching staff did not do enough to bring out his potential.

Compare his trajectory to that of other rookies in the same draft class—like Keyonte George in Utah or Jaime Jaquez Jr. in Miami—who were entrusted with real responsibility early and developed under systems tailored to their strengths. Knecht may have been the right player, but perhaps he landed in the wrong situation.

Dalton Knecht’s Strengths Still Show Long-Term Promise

Despite the rocky rookie season, it’s too early to label Dalton Knecht a bust. His strengths remain evident to those who watched him closely. He’s a natural scorer, with the ability to hit contested jumpers and finish through contact. He also rebounds well for his position and competes defensively, even if his foot speed needs improvement.

What scouts continue to love is Knecht’s work ethic and maturity. At 23, he’s older than many rookies, but that could be an asset rather than a hindrance. He brings a grounded, team-first mentality and was frequently praised by teammates for his willingness to learn and accept criticism. Given the right developmental environment, he could still blossom into a strong rotational scorer—or even a starter.

Should the Lakers Have Drafted Someone Else?

With hindsight always 20/20, fans are now wondering if the Lakers should’ve gone in a different direction. Several players taken shortly after Knecht—including DaRon Holmes, Ryan Dunn, and Kel’el Ware—showed glimpses of becoming impact role players, particularly on defense. Given the Lakers’ desperate need for perimeter defense and rim protection, some argue they missed the opportunity to draft for fit rather than upside.

However, Knecht was considered a steal at No. 17 on draft night. Many analysts had projected him in the lottery. His scoring versatility was rare in that class, and his college resume at Tennessee showed a complete player who rose to the occasion in big games. The Lakers’ decision made sense at the time. The question now is whether they can salvage that investment before it’s too late.

What’s Next for Knecht and the Lakers?

As the offseason begins, Dalton Knecht’s future hangs in the balance. The Lakers will likely face sweeping organizational changes, especially if LeBron James retires or leaves in free agency. A roster shakeup could create new opportunities—or spell an early end to Knecht’s time in L.A.

One possibility is a G League stint to regain confidence and refine specific skills. Another is using the Summer League to give him the ball and allow him to showcase the scoring that made him a college star. Or, in a more aggressive move, the Lakers could include Knecht in a trade package to acquire win-now talent.

For Knecht, the key will be development. If the Lakers commit to nurturing his talent and expanding his role, there’s still reason to believe he can be a high-impact player. But if he continues to be buried on the bench in favor of short-term veteran fixes, his growth may stall before it ever begins.

Final Verdict: Was It a Mistake?

So, did the Lakers make a mistake drafting Dalton Knecht? The honest answer is: not yet. The mistake wasn’t necessarily in drafting him—it may have been in the lack of a clear developmental plan. The Lakers have a history of letting young talent walk (think Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, Lonzo Ball) only to watch them flourish elsewhere.