Dalton Knecht Poses the Biggest Risk to the Lakers’ Roster

When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, many believed they had found an immediate contributor. A sharpshooting wing with NBA-ready scoring tools, Knecht was expected to bring instant offense and maturity to a team desperate for youth and bench firepower. But just one year later, Knecht’s place in the Lakers’ future is under serious doubt—and fans have every reason to be concerned.

The Summer League Letdown

Knecht’s underwhelming Summer League performance set off alarm bells. Entering as a 24-year-old rookie—soon to turn 25—expectations were high. This was supposed to be his moment to dominate against younger, less experienced competition. Instead, Knecht delivered a forgettable showing that exposed a glaring problem: his defense remains a major liability.

Sam Vecenie of The Game Theory Podcast summed up the situation bluntly:

“This was about as unimpressive a Summer League as you could have seen for Dalton Knecht… He was absolutely not that guy.”

Bryce Simon, co-host of the podcast and a long-time Knecht supporter, echoed those concerns, citing a lack of development on the defensive end. The troubling part? Simon noted that Knecht’s defensive issues remain “exactly the same” as they were when he left college.

Offense Alone Isn’t Enough

There’s no denying Knecht’s offensive talent. During his time at Tennessee, he averaged 21.7 points per game and displayed elite scoring instincts. His quick release, range, and off-ball movement were tailor-made for the modern NBA.

But the NBA is not just about scoring—especially on a roster like the Lakers, where LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and other stars command the offensive spotlight. To earn minutes, players need to defend, especially under head coach JJ Redick, who has made it clear that defensive accountability will define his rotation.

The Lakers’ recent signing of Jake LaRavia—a two-way player praised for his defensive versatility—only underscores the organization’s emphasis on defensive impact. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka even cited LaRavia’s “ideal fit” for Redick’s system, a clear indirect contrast to what Knecht currently offers.

The Defense Dilemma

Knecht’s defensive numbers from the 2024–25 season are, frankly, alarming. According to Basketball Reference, he posted a defensive rating of 118 per 100 possessions and a defensive box plus/minus of -1.7. These are red flags for a player hoping to survive in the rotation of a contending team.

The most damning stat? Opponents shot 46.5% from the field when guarded by Knecht, per NBA.com. These were often average or below-average offensive players—not All-Stars. That efficiency is far too high and speaks to poor lateral movement, inconsistent closeouts, and a general lack of awareness on that end.

In college, while Knecht wasn’t a defensive stopper, he managed to hold his own in team schemes. But the transition to the NBA has exposed his lack of foot speed, weak defensive instincts, and slow reaction time. These deficiencies are magnified at the pro level—especially against elite wings and guards.

JJ Redick Pulls the Plug

Perhaps the most telling sign of the Lakers’ concerns came when JJ Redick benched Knecht late in the 2024–25 season. Despite the team’s need for shooting and offensive creation, Redick opted to go with players who brought more on the defensive end.

That decision spoke volumes. Knecht had his chance—and he couldn’t capitalize. For a player who was supposed to be plug-and-play due to his age and college experience, that’s a major red flag.

A Simple Path—With a Big Catch

Ironically, Knecht still has a clear path into the 2025–26 rotation. The Lakers desperately need wing depth. If Knecht can even become a passable defender, his shooting alone would make him a valuable rotation piece. But so far, all evidence points to stagnation, not growth.

Simon summed it up best: Knecht doesn’t need to be a plus-defender—he just needs to stop being a glaring minus. Right now, that bar still feels out of reach.

What Needs to Change?

To salvage his spot in LA, Knecht must make dramatic defensive improvements. That starts with:

• Improved lateral quickness: He must be able to stay in front of NBA-level wings.

• Better awareness: Rotations, help defense, and closeouts all need refinement.

• Stronger effort: Defense is largely about commitment. Knecht must show it.

• Film study and positioning: Understanding opposing players’ tendencies and reading plays faster could help mask his athletic limitations.

These aren’t minor tweaks. They require a full shift in mindset and approach, something not all scorers are willing—or able—to make.

Final Thoughts: Time Is Ticking

Dalton Knecht’s story isn’t over, but the fairytale start has taken a dark turn. Once seen as a steal in the draft, he’s now fighting just to stay on the floor. The Lakers are a win-now team, and patience is not infinite. If Knecht can’t fix his defensive game soon, he risks becoming yet another first-rounder who couldn’t make the leap.

Lakers fans have every right to worry. The window for contention is shrinking, and the roster can’t afford to carry a defensive liability.

Dalton Knecht still has the tools to succeed. But if his defense doesn’t improve fast, the Lakers’ biggest concern may turn into an irreversible reality: that their promising rookie was never built for this level after all.