Dalton Knecht Was Considered the Perfect Laker – So Why Is He in Doubt?

When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the basketball world applauded the move. Known as one of the most polished scorers in college basketball, the former Tennessee standout appeared to be a tailor-made fit for a Lakers roster in desperate need of shooting and depth.

From his strong perimeter shooting to his mature decision-making, many viewed Knecht as the ideal plug-and-play wing. He had the look of a player who could immediately contribute, particularly under rookie head coach JJ Redick. But now, just a year later, the question lingers: Dalton Knecht was considered the perfect Laker – so why is he in doubt heading into his second season?

A Promising Start to the Rookie Campaign

Dalton Knecht didn’t take long to validate the Lakers’ decision. In the early stages of the 2024–25 season, he showed flashes of brilliance. Whenever one of the Lakers’ stars—LeBron James, Anthony Davis, or the newly acquired Luka Dončić—missed time, Knecht stepped up confidently. His shot-making, especially from beyond the arc, provided a valuable spark.

His scoring instincts translated quickly to the NBA, and Knecht even earned a few starts early in the season. With the ability to space the floor and make timely cuts, he looked like the perfect complementary piece next to the team’s superstars.

For much of the year, he was averaging close to double digits in points and shot a solid 37.6% from three-point range—numbers that underscored his offensive potential.

The trajectory of Knecht’s rookie season—and perhaps his long-term future with the Lakers—shifted dramatically following the blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić. In order to acquire the generational guard, the Lakers had to send away significant assets, including Anthony Davis.

In need of a center to replace Davis, Los Angeles targeted Mark Williams of the Charlotte Hornets. Unfortunately for Knecht, he was included in the trade package.

The deal was agreed upon, but not completed. The Lakers refused to clear Mark Williams medically, and the trade was rescinded. That left Knecht in an awkward situation—he had essentially been shipped out, only to be brought back.

While the return was handled professionally on Knecht’s part, the emotional and psychological toll of such a move can’t be overlooked. His role noticeably diminished after the incident, and by the end of the season, he was out of JJ Redick’s rotation entirely.

Still a Rookie Bright Spot

Despite the late-season benching, Dalton Knecht’s rookie campaign shouldn’t be viewed as a failure. He finished the year averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game and maintained a respectable shooting percentage from three.

He also provided a few truly memorable moments. One standout performance came in November against the Utah Jazz, where Knecht erupted for 37 points, shooting an incredible 9-of-12 from three-point range. It was a game that had analysts and fans alike buzzing about his upside.

Later in the season, during a tough matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Knecht delivered another eye-opening performance. With both Dončić and LeBron out of the lineup, Knecht tallied 32 points, nearly leading a short-handed Lakers squad to an unlikely victory.

These flashes of brilliance reminded everyone just how dangerous Knecht can be when given the opportunity.

Summer League Struggles Raise Questions

Heading into the 2025–26 season, however, Knecht’s stock took a hit during Summer League play. Tasked with being the go-to guy in a developmental setting, he struggled with consistency and shot selection.

His stats were underwhelming: 32.1% from the field and 23.7% from three. Rather than building momentum toward a sophomore breakout, Knecht’s Summer League play raised legitimate concerns about whether he could earn regular minutes in a now deeper Lakers rotation.

The Lakers’ offseason moves also didn’t do Knecht any favors.

The Competition: Lakers’ Wing Depth Increases

With an eye on improving their perimeter defense and toughness, the Lakers signed Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia—two players who are expected to compete for time on the wing.

Smart brings championship experience, high-level defense, and veteran leadership. LaRavia, on the other hand, has developed into a dependable two-way player with size and versatility.

Add in returning guards and wings like Austin Reaves and Max Christie, and suddenly there’s a logjam in the Lakers’ rotation. For Knecht, who still has clear defensive limitations, the margin for error is razor-thin.

Even with his standout shooting ability, Knecht may find himself fighting for minutes in a competitive environment where versatility and defensive effort are just as important as floor spacing.

The Case for Dalton Knecht: Why He Still Matters

Despite the challenges, Dalton Knecht still has one key factor working in his favor—he’s the best pure shooter on the Lakers’ roster.

In an NBA where spacing and perimeter efficiency are more critical than ever, having a knockdown shooter like Knecht cannot be undervalued. If he can improve his lateral quickness and become a more reliable defender, there’s no reason why he can’t reclaim a role in JJ Redick’s rotation.

Additionally, with the NBA’s demanding schedule and the age of the Lakers’ stars, there will undoubtedly be nights when Knecht is called upon. If he capitalizes on those opportunities like he did last season, he could once again become a crucial piece for a team with championship aspirations.

2025–26 Outlook: Make-or-Break Season Ahead

As training camp approaches, Dalton Knecht finds himself at a crossroads. While the early hype surrounding his fit with the Lakers was justified, circumstances—including trades, injuries, and roster moves—have put his role in question.

If he performs well in camp and in early-season minutes, he could re-establish himself as one of the team’s primary floor spacers. If not, he may become a trade chip once again—or worse, buried at the end of the bench.

In his favor: youth, offensive skill, and a strong rookie résumé.

Working against him: increased competition, limited positional versatility, and shaky Summer League performance.

Conclusion: Dalton Knecht Was Considered the Perfect Laker – So Why Is He in Doubt?

The question is no longer about whether Knecht has talent. It’s whether he can find his fit on a roster that has rapidly evolved around him.

Dalton Knecht was considered the perfect Laker – so why is he in doubt? Because in the high-stakes world of the NBA, fit and opportunity can shift overnight. The Lakers are now a team built around three stars—LeBron, Luka, and Reaves—and depth players must prove their worth quickly.

For Knecht, the task is clear: refine the weaknesses, rediscover the confidence, and remind the league why he was considered a steal at No. 17. The door isn’t closed, but it won’t stay open forever.