Dalton Knecht’s Missed Shot Raises Concerns: Lakers Need Urgent Repairs Before the 2025 NBA Playoffs Begin

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a precarious situation as the 2025 NBA Playoffs approach. A recent game against the Phoenix Suns exposed several flaws in their system, with Dalton Knecht‘s crucial missed shot highlighting deeper issues. While the Lakers remain a title contender on paper, their inconsistencies and struggles in high-pressure moments are cause for concern. With the playoffs looming, urgent adjustments are necessary if they want to make a deep run in the postseason.

Dalton Knecht’s Performance: A Rookie Under the Spotlight

The Lakers drafted Dalton Knecht with high hopes, believing he could develop into a valuable contributor for the team. Throughout the season, he has shown flashes of brilliance, but his role remains inconsistent. Against the Suns, Knecht found himself in a critical position in the final seconds of the game. The Lakers needed a basket to tie or win, and the ball found its way into Knecht’s hands. He took the shot, but the ball clanked off the rim, sealing a heartbreaking loss for Los Angeles.

This single moment doesn’t define Knecht’s potential, but it raises questions about his readiness for high-stakes situations. As a rookie, he is still developing, but with the Lakers relying on him in key moments, there is an urgent need for refinement in his game. Head coach Darvin Ham acknowledged that the team has to put Knecht in better positions to succeed, but the larger issue remains—should the Lakers be leaning on a rookie in such crucial moments?

Lakers’ Inconsistent Offense: A Major Weakness

Beyond Knecht’s missed shot, the Lakers’ offensive struggles were glaring throughout the game. Their reliance on LeBron James and Anthony Davis remains a double-edged sword. While both stars are still dominant, expecting them to carry the entire load at their current stage of their careers is not a sustainable strategy. The Lakers’ offensive efficiency has fluctuated throughout the season, ranking in the middle of the pack despite their star power.

One of the key issues is the lack of consistent three-point shooting. The Lakers have struggled from beyond the arc, and opposing teams have capitalized on this by packing the paint, making it difficult for James and Davis to operate inside. D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves have had streaky shooting performances, while Knecht’s outside shooting, though promising, has not been reliable enough to stretch defenses consistently.

If the Lakers want to fix their offensive woes before the playoffs, they need better spacing and more dependable shooting from their role players. The trade deadline passed without major acquisitions, meaning the coaching staff must find solutions internally. Implementing more off-ball movement and designed plays for Knecht, Reaves, and Russell could open up opportunities and reduce their dependency on James.

Defensive Struggles: The Lakers’ Achilles Heel

The Lakers’ defensive efficiency has also been a significant issue. While Anthony Davis remains one of the best rim protectors in the league, the perimeter defense has been inconsistent. Opposing guards have often exploited mismatches, exposing the Lakers’ weaknesses in transition and one-on-one situations.

The loss against Phoenix was a prime example of these struggles. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal had their way with the Lakers’ backcourt, scoring efficiently and forcing defensive collapses that led to open shots for their teammates. The Lakers’ inability to contain star guards has been a recurring problem, and it could spell disaster in a playoff series against elite scorers like Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, or Ja Morant.

To improve, the Lakers must emphasize defensive communication and effort. Knecht, in particular, has shown promise but needs to become more disciplined on that end. If he wants to earn significant minutes in the playoffs, his perimeter defense must improve to complement Davis’ presence in the paint.

LeBron James’ Role and Playoff Outlook

At 40 years old, LeBron James continues to defy expectations, but even he cannot carry the Lakers single-handedly. His minutes need to be managed carefully to ensure he remains fresh for the postseason. The coaching staff faces the challenge of balancing James’ workload while keeping the team competitive.

James has adapted his game to remain effective, focusing more on playmaking and efficiency rather than sheer athletic dominance. However, without a reliable secondary playmaker, the Lakers’ offense becomes stagnant when LeBron is off the floor. Gabe Vincent, who was brought in to help in this area, has battled injuries and inconsistencies, leaving a void in the team’s playmaking depth.

The Lakers’ championship hopes hinge on whether LeBron can stay healthy and whether his supporting cast can step up. Knecht, Russell, and Reaves will need to elevate their games to provide James with the help he needs, especially against elite Western Conference opponents.

Urgent Adjustments Before the Playoffs

With the playoffs just weeks away, the Lakers must address these concerns urgently. Some key adjustments include:

• More defined roles for role players – Knecht needs a clear role that maximizes his strengths while limiting his exposure to high-pressure situations he’s not yet ready for.

• Defensive intensity – The team must tighten up its perimeter defense, focusing on limiting elite scorers and improving help rotations.

• Three-point shooting improvement – Players like Knecht, Russell, and Reaves must become more consistent from deep to prevent defenses from collapsing on James and Davis.

• LeBron’s workload management – Finding ways to give LeBron more rest without sacrificing offensive production is crucial for a deep playoff run.

Conclusion: Can the Lakers Fix Their Problems in Time?

The Los Angeles Lakers have the talent to compete for a championship, but their recent performances indicate that significant adjustments are needed. Dalton Knecht‘s missed shot was just a symptom of the team’s larger struggles—offensive inconsistencies, defensive lapses, and an overreliance on their aging superstars. If they fail to address these issues before the playoffs, they risk an early exit in a highly competitive Western Conference.

However, there is still time. With the leadership of LeBron James, the defensive anchor of Anthony Davis, and the potential of Dalton Knecht and other role players, the Lakers can turn things around. The question remains: will they make the necessary adjustments before it’s too late?