Los Angeles Lakers Must Unleash Dalton Knecht After Latest Injury Setback

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering March with a mix of optimism and concern. While they boast the best record in the NBA since January 15, injuries are threatening their momentum. In recent games, they’ve lost key starters Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves, forcing the team to find new solutions.

One of those solutions should be giving rookie Dalton Knecht the opportunity to shine. With two of their top scorers sidelined, the Lakers must let Knecht play significant minutes to help fill the offensive void. The 2024 first-round pick has demonstrated explosive scoring ability, and now is the time to see if he can handle a larger role on a winning team.

Dalton Knecht Deserves a Bigger Role Amid Lakers’ Injury Woes

Knecht’s rookie season has been frustrating in terms of playing time. Whenever he gets extended minutes, he proves to be a valuable scorer, but concerns about his defensive struggles have limited his opportunities.

Those concerns are not without merit—when Knecht is on the floor, the Lakers’ defensive rating drops significantly. However, given the team’s current situation, offensive production is a bigger priority. With Hachimura and Reaves averaging a combined 32.4 points per game, the Lakers need someone who can contribute offensively.

Rather than waiting until the NBA Playoffs to throw Knecht into high-pressure situations, Los Angeles should start utilizing him now. Developing him in real-time will not only help the Lakers stay competitive but also ensure Knecht is ready for postseason action if needed.

How Dalton Knecht Can Fill the Lakers’ Offensive Void

With Hachimura and Reaves out, the Lakers are missing two of their top four scorers. Their recent form was especially impressive—between January 30 and February 26, they combined for 40.8 points per game before Hachimura’s injury.

While Knecht alone won’t fully replace that production, his three-point shooting ability makes him a logical solution to help keep the Lakers’ offense humming. Hachimura’s surge in production was fueled by his efficient perimeter shooting, averaging 17.9 points per game on 42.2% shooting from three during that span.

Knecht’s Three-Point Shooting Could Be a Game-Changer

One of the biggest advantages Knecht brings to the table is his ability to knock down three-pointers at an impressive clip. When given 20 or more minutes, he is averaging:

• 13.6 points per game

• 2.4 three-pointers made

• 39.5% three-point shooting

These numbers prove that Knecht is one of the Lakers’ best perimeter shooters and a natural heat-check scorer. In games where he has played 30+ minutes, his numbers become even more impressive:

• 20.5 points per game

• Five 20-point performances

• A 37-point explosion against the Utah Jazz

With LeBron James and Anthony Davis drawing most of the defensive attention, Knecht’s ability to space the floor and capitalize on open looks is exactly what the Lakers need right now.

Defensive Concerns Are a Work in Progress, but the Offense Must Come First

Critics will argue that Knecht’s defensive struggles are a legitimate concern, and they wouldn’t be wrong. The Lakers thrive on defense, and adding a player who could compromise their defensive identity is risky.

However, the reality is that the Lakers can’t afford to prioritize defense over offense in the short term. With Hachimura and Reaves sidelined, Los Angeles needs scoring depth more than anything. Knecht may struggle defensively, but his offensive impact outweighs his shortcomings.

Additionally, the best way for Knecht to improve defensively is through experience. He won’t get better sitting on the bench. Giving him consistent minutes allows him to develop on both ends of the floor. By the time the playoffs arrive, the Lakers could have a more well-rounded weapon at their disposal.

The Lakers’ Need for Depth is Greater Than Ever

The NBA season is long and grueling, and injuries are inevitable. One of the most important factors for championship contenders is depth, and the Lakers need to take advantage of the young talent they have.

If Knecht proves capable of handling extended minutes, it will alleviate some of the burden on LeBron and Davis, who have already played heavy minutes this season. Managing their workload is crucial for a deep playoff run, and having Knecht as a reliable offensive weapon can help balance the rotation.

Knecht’s Opportunity Could Shape the Lakers’ Future

Beyond this season, the Lakers need to start developing their young core. Knecht has the potential to be a key piece of the franchise moving forward, and his growth this season could impact roster decisions in the future. If he excels in an expanded role, it may even influence how the Lakers approach free agency and trades in the offseason.

Investing in Knecht’s development now could pay huge dividends not just for this season but for the Lakers’ long-term success. If he emerges as a consistent scoring threat, Los Angeles could have a young, cost-controlled player to complement their superstar duo.

Why the Lakers Must Act Now

The Lakers are in a critical stretch of the season. Every game matters in the competitive Western Conference playoff race, and they can’t afford to let injuries derail their momentum.

Knecht’s ability to shoot the three, provide instant offense, and step up in big moments makes him the most logical replacement for the missing production. The Lakers drafted him for a reason, and now is the perfect time to let him prove his worth.

While there may be some growing pains, the benefits of unleashing Dalton Knecht far outweigh the risks. With injuries mounting, the Lakers must give their rookie the green light and trust him to rise to the occasion.

Final Thoughts: The Lakers Must Embrace Change

Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the NBA, but they also create opportunities. Dalton Knecht has shown flashes of brilliance, and the Lakers must capitalize on his potential. By giving him consistent playing time, Los Angeles can maintain its offensive firepower while helping Knecht develop into a key contributor.

If the Lakers want to continue their winning ways, they must embrace change. That starts with giving Knecht the chance to prove he belongs on the court—starting now.