JJ Redick Faces Tough Decision on Dalton Knecht After Summer League

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Mark Williams in February, it quietly signaled that Dalton Knecht’s time in purple and gold might be running out. The move was framed as a way to strengthen the team’s frontcourt depth, but insiders noted that it also reflected a willingness to part ways with promising young players to address immediate needs. Fast-forward to the end of the summer, and that ticking clock for Knecht’s future is getting louder. Following a disappointing Summer League showing, Knecht’s stock has plummeted—so much so that Lakers insider Jovan Buha now doubts the second-year wing will even crack the regular-season rotation.

“Summer League has not helped Knecht’s stock, and I don’t think at this point he is valued as a first-round pick, in terms of an asset valuation,” Buha explained during The Athletic’s Lakers coverage.
This is a sharp fall from grace. Once viewed as a future cornerstone, Knecht’s hype has cooled dramatically as he heads into a make-or-break sophomore campaign.

A Rough Summer in Vegas

Knecht’s struggles in Las Vegas were glaring—not just in the numbers, but also in his overall body language and decision-making on the court. In three Summer League games, he averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, while shooting a dreadful 27.9% from the field, 23.8% from three, and just 33.3% from the free-throw line. These are alarming figures for a player drafted for his scoring prowess and ability to space the floor.
Compared to last year’s Summer League—where Knecht put up 21.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on efficient shooting—this performance was a steep regression. Analysts pointed to hesitation on open looks, an over-reliance on contested pull-up jumpers, and a lack of off-ball movement as major issues.

Adding to the pressure, Bronny James, the Lakers’ 55th pick in 2024, unexpectedly outshined Knecht. Bronny averaged 14.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in four games while showing improved defensive instincts and a more polished playmaking feel.
Buha, joined by analyst Tim (“Cranjis McBasketball”), cited Knecht’s poor decision-making as a major red flag.

“He just did not read the play well pre-catch or post-catch, and he ended up just jacking up so many dumb, bad, heavily contested shots,” Tim said. “If you’re not going to be the right connecting piece, then that concerns me.”

Rotation Confidence Slipping

The most telling sign of Knecht’s diminished standing came when Buha outlined his projected 2025–26 Lakers rotation—and didn’t even mention Knecht’s name.

“Based on JJ’s trust level in him last year, and him seemingly not improving this summer, I don’t think he projects to be a rotation player,” Buha explained, referring to head coach JJ Redick.
Redick, known for his detail-oriented coaching style, values players who can process the game quickly, move without the ball, and make high-IQ reads. If Knecht can’t demonstrate those traits, he risks falling behind other wings on the depth chart.
One player poised to benefit is Jake LaRavia, a recent signing on a 2-year, $12 million deal. LaRavia’s strength lies in being a low-maintenance connector—he spaces the floor, makes quick passes, and defends multiple positions. With LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves commanding the offense, the Lakers might prefer someone who doesn’t need the ball to be effective.

Trade Rumors Heating Up

With his rotation spot in jeopardy, Knecht’s value in the trade market has become a talking point. Back in February, the Lakers reportedly offered him in a deal for Mark Williams, but the trade collapsed when Williams allegedly failed his physical. This revealed that the Lakers were already open to moving on from him.
Now, multiple reports suggest Knecht could be part of a trade package aimed at acquiring Royce O’Neale from the Phoenix Suns. As Dean Simon of The Sporting News noted, the framework could involve Knecht plus an expiring contract, such as Maxi Kleber’s $11 million salary.

Why Royce O’Neale Fits the Lakers’ Needs

At 32 years old, Royce O’Neale is not a flashy name, but he’s exactly the kind of veteran the Lakers often covet. A career 38.4% three-point shooter, O’Neale hit 40.6% from deep last season on nearly six attempts per game. His ability to guard positions two through four makes him a versatile defensive weapon, and his playoff experience—spanning deep runs with the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets—adds intangible value.
For a team whose championship hopes rest on LeBron and Luka staying healthy, having reliable two-way role players is critical. O’Neale won’t need heavy touches, and his spacing could open driving lanes for the Lakers’ stars while also helping their pick-and-roll game with bigs like Anthony Davis and Mark Williams.

What Knecht Must Do to Survive in L.A.

If Knecht wants to change the narrative, he’ll need to address three major weaknesses:

1. Shot Selection: Knecht must cut down on contested jumpers and prioritize high-efficiency looks, particularly spot-up threes and cuts to the basket.

2. Defensive Consistency: Improving his lateral quickness and awareness could make him a more trustworthy option for Redick in matchups against elite wings.

3. Off-Ball Movement: The Lakers’ system thrives on players who can relocate after passing and create passing lanes for LeBron and Luka.
   The Lakers are not a rebuilding team—they are in win-now mode. This means development minutes are scarce, and every player in the rotation must contribute to winning basketball immediately.

The Road Ahead

Dalton Knecht’s sophomore season is shaping up to be a pivotal one. If he fails to earn trust in the preseason, the Lakers might include him in an early-season trade to shore up weaknesses on the roster. Given the franchise’s urgency to maximize LeBron’s remaining window, they cannot afford to wait for Knecht to develop at a slow pace.
Still, it’s worth remembering that the NBA is full of late bloomers. A strong training camp could quickly flip the narrative. If Knecht rediscovers his shooting touch and shows growth in his decision-making, he could carve out a role as a floor spacer and secondary scorer.
For now, though, the reality is clear: Dalton Knecht’s future with the Lakers is hanging by a thread, and the coming months will determine whether he stays in Los Angeles or becomes another young talent shipped out in pursuit of a title.