Dalton Knecht is pushing himself out of the Lakers after a lackluster performance in the Summer League.

After an impressive rookie season that caught fans and analysts by surprise, Dalton Knecht is now facing intense scrutiny — and potentially an uncertain future — following a disappointing NBA Summer League campaign. Once dubbed the Los Angeles Lakers’ breakout star by teammate Austin Reaves, Knecht’s stock is trending in the opposite direction after a string of lackluster performances.

The Lakers front office, already navigating a challenging offseason, may now be reconsidering their plans for the 2024 No. 17 overall pick. Could the sharpshooting guard become the latest trade asset in an attempt to reshape the roster around Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis, and Reaves?

From Breakout Rookie to Summer League Mystery

Dalton Knecht entered the 2024-25 NBA season with little fanfare, but quickly emerged as a reliable scoring option for a Lakers team desperate for youth and shooting. His ability to stretch the floor, move without the ball, and knock down catch-and-shoot threes earned him a place in the rotation. At one point, he was averaging double-digit points and looked poised to be a long-term role player in L.A.

Reaves, one of the team’s most vocal leaders, even described Knecht as “the guy no one expected but everyone needed.”

But the rise was short-lived.

Once the Lakers orchestrated the blockbuster signing of Luka Dončić, Knecht’s minutes dropped significantly. The team’s offensive hierarchy shifted, and the ball rarely found its way into Knecht’s hands. His confidence seemed to wane, and by the end of the regular season, his scoring average had dipped well below his early-season highs.

Complicating matters was the failed Mark Williams trade with the Charlotte Hornets, which reportedly would have sent Knecht in the package. Though the deal collapsed, the mere inclusion of Knecht in trade talks may have added to the psychological toll.

Summer League Struggles: A Bad Sign?

The NBA Summer League is typically a platform for rookies and second-year players to shine, showcase development, and prepare for a larger role. For Dalton Knecht, it has become a nightmare.

In three games, Knecht has averaged under 9 points per game, shooting below 35% from the field, and struggling to create separation or drive efficiently. Defensively, he’s been targeted by opposing guards, and he’s failed to leave the kind of impression expected from a player with real NBA minutes under his belt.

More than just poor shooting, the lack of assertiveness has been glaring. While young prospects like Bronny James and others have shown flashes of improvement, Knecht has looked unsure — caught between trying to score and trying to fit in.

Is It Time for the Lakers to Move On?

Knecht’s downward trend, combined with the Lakers’ urgency to contend, begs the question: Should L.A. move on from him now while he still has some trade value?

With Luka Dončić now commanding the offense, there’s limited opportunity for development projects unless they contribute immediately. Head coach JJ Redick, a former shooter himself, might have hoped Knecht could become a dependable bench piece. But if Knecht continues to falter, Redick and GM Rob Pelinka may prefer a more seasoned role player who can contribute to a title run.

Also, with Knecht’s name already floated in past trade talks, the writing may already be on the wall. The Lakers could look to package Knecht with a pick or another young player to go after a veteran wing, a backup big, or another floor-spacer who can perform under playoff pressure.

Best Potential Landing Spots for Knecht

If the Lakers do decide to explore a move, here are a few teams that could benefit from giving Dalton Knecht a fresh start:

1. Charlotte Hornets

Ironically, the team that almost acquired Knecht may still be a fit. The Hornets are rebuilding around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and they could use a shooter like Knecht who needs reps and confidence more than wins. Charlotte has the space and minutes to give him real developmental time.

2. San Antonio Spurs

With Victor Wembanyama at the core, the Spurs are building a long-term roster. They’ve shown a willingness to invest in young shooters. Under Gregg Popovich’s system, Knecht could receive structured minutes and learn to play with purpose and spacing.

3. Utah Jazz

Utah continues to collect young assets, and they have a need for outside shooting and wing scoring. A low-risk flyer on Knecht fits the Jazz’s profile, and they’ve had success reviving the careers of players who were overlooked elsewhere.

4. Brooklyn Nets

With a surplus of forwards but a lack of shooting depth, the Nets could use a scorer off the bench. If Knecht can rediscover his rhythm, Brooklyn could offer a low-pressure environment for him to regain his confidence.

Still Time, But the Clock Is Ticking

It’s too early to label Dalton Knecht a bust. He’s only entering his second NBA season, and he’s already shown real flashes of scoring ability. But in the win-now environment of the Los Angeles Lakers, patience is short, and opportunities are even shorter.

With the Lakers aiming to maximize Dončić and Davis’s championship window, every roster spot matters. If Knecht can’t contribute consistently — or show clear progress — the Lakers may decide to flip him for a more proven piece.

Still, all is not lost.

Knecht remains a valuable shooter with NBA size and the instincts to be effective at the next level. The question is whether he can shake off this rough patch and show he belongs in purple and gold — or if he’ll need to reignite his NBA journey somewhere else.

One thing is certain: the Summer League spotlight has exposed cracks, and how Knecht responds in the coming weeks will be crucial to determining the next chapter of his career.