Relentless Progress: Dalton Knecht is Quietly Becoming the Next NBA Star

While headlines swirl around the Los Angeles Lakers’ high-profile offseason—LeBron James trade rumors, Anthony Davis’ future, and endless speculation about roster overhauls—there is a rising star quietly preparing to make his mark. Dalton Knecht, coming off an up-and-down rookie campaign, has been working relentlessly this summer, aiming to take the next big leap in his NBA career.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Summer League action, Knecht revealed his intense offseason regimen: three workouts a day, focusing on all facets of his game. While his name frequently pops up in trade rumors, Knecht is staying locked in on one goal: to become a player the Lakers can’t afford to lose.

A Glimpse of Potential During a Tumultuous Rookie Year

Dalton Knecht’s rookie season stats tell a story of both promise and inconsistency. In limited minutes, he averaged:

• 9.1 points per game

• 46.1% shooting from the field

• 37.6% from three-point range

• 19.2 minutes per contest

For a rookie wing, these are solid numbers, particularly on a Lakers roster that struggled to find reliable scoring outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Yet Knecht’s playing time fluctuated throughout the season, often tied to injuries, matchups, and the coaching staff’s evolving rotations.

Despite the limited opportunities, Knecht showed flashes of being a three-level scorer. His ability to:

• Knock down perimeter shots with confidence

• Slash to the basket in transition

• Move intelligently without the ball in halfcourt sets

gave the Lakers something they desperately needed—off-ball scoring and youthful energy.

Why the Lakers Desperately Need Dalton Knecht to Step Up

In their first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers’ weaknesses were exposed. Aside from James and Davis, the team lacked:

• Secondary scoring options

• Athleticism on the wings

• Bench players capable of swinging momentum

Knecht has the skillset to address all three areas. He can:

• Come off the bench as a spark plug scorer.

• Run the floor in transition alongside Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent.

• Guard multiple positions thanks to his size and lateral quickness.

If he takes the next step, Knecht could be the perfect sixth or seventh man for a team in desperate need of youthful production.

The Trade Rumors: Should the Lakers Really Move Knecht?

Despite his potential, Knecht’s name has surfaced in several trade rumors. Most recently, he was reportedly part of discussions involving potential deals for Andrew Wiggins, Jerami Grant, or other veteran wings.

But is trading Dalton Knecht the right move?

In a league where young, cost-controlled scorers are invaluable, dealing Knecht could backfire. While the Lakers are in win-now mode, they also need to future-proof their roster, especially as LeBron’s career nears its end.

If the Lakers trade Knecht and he blossoms into a 20-point-per-game scorer elsewhere, it would mirror past missteps like letting go of Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, or Julius Randle too soon.

Summer League: The First Test of Knecht’s Growth

All eyes will be on Knecht during the upcoming NBA Summer League, where he is expected to be one of the most polished players on the court. Lakers coaches will be watching to see if his offseason work pays off in the following areas:

• Improved ball-handling: To expand his offensive role beyond catch-and-shoot opportunities.

• Stronger on-ball defense: A must for any wing looking to play big playoff minutes.

• Better decision-making in transition: To maximize fast-break opportunities alongside the team’s playmakers.

If Knecht dominates Summer League play, it could force the Lakers to rethink his role heading into training camp.

Player Comparisons: What Is Dalton Knecht’s Ceiling?

Scouts and analysts have compared Knecht’s game to several high-level NBA wings:

• Klay Thompson: For his smooth three-point stroke and off-ball movement.

• Kevin Huerter: For his blend of shooting and athleticism.

• Buddy Hield: For his ability to stretch defenses.

While these comparisons are lofty, Knecht possesses the tools to carve out his own niche as a versatile scorer and solid defender, something every championship contender needs.

What Teammates and Coaches Are Saying

Lakers veteran Austin Reaves has praised Knecht’s work ethic, noting during team workouts:

“Dalton’s been in the gym every day, putting in the work. You can already tell he’s more confident in his shot and his reads.”

Assistant coaches have similarly praised Knecht’s dedication, with one source saying:

“He’s the first guy in the gym and the last one out. You can tell he wants to prove he belongs.”

These endorsements paint the picture of a young player hungry to earn his spot.

Balancing Development with Championship Aspirations

The Lakers find themselves in a familiar predicament: how to balance developing young talent with the immediate urgency of competing for a championship.

On one hand, giving Knecht consistent minutes could help the Lakers build for the post-LeBron era. On the other, the franchise’s championship window could close soon, making veteran additions tempting.

But history shows that winning teams often rely on internal player growth, not just blockbuster trades. Think of how the Nuggets developed Michael Porter Jr., or how the Celtics nurtured Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum into stars.

The Lakers must ask themselves: Could Dalton Knecht be that next internal success story?

How Knecht Fits into the Lakers’ Evolving Rotation

If Knecht takes the leap the Lakers hope for, here’s how he could slot into the 2025-26 rotation:

• Starter or Key Reserve: Depending on other roster moves, he could start at shooting guard or be the primary scoring option off the bench.

• Floor Spacer: Knecht’s shooting could complement Davis and James’ inside game.

• Secondary Playmaker: In lineups without LeBron, Knecht could help create offense, reducing the burden on Reaves.

His emergence could also free the Lakers from over-relying on streaky veterans or aging role players.

The Mental Toughness Factor: Why Knecht Has the Right Mindset

Beyond the skills, Knecht’s mental makeup might be his biggest asset. In interviews, he’s downplayed the trade rumors and speculation, focusing solely on his development.

That mentality is rare for a second-year player in a market as volatile as Los Angeles. Knecht seems unfazed by the spotlight, preferring to let his game do the talking.

Conclusion: Dalton Knecht Could Be the Lakers’ Biggest Surprise in 2025-26

While LeBron James and Anthony Davis will once again headline the Lakers’ championship push, don’t be surprised if Dalton Knecht becomes the unexpected X-factor.

His scoring, athleticism, and unrelenting work ethic are exactly what the Lakers lacked in their disappointing playoff exit. If Knecht puts it all together, the Lakers might not just survive the post-LeBron transition—they might thrive.

The only question now is whether the Lakers recognize what they have before it’s too late. Will they give Knecht the runway to soar, or trade him away in pursuit of quick fixes?