Shocking: Lakers Insider Confirms Dalton Knecht is Just ‘The Eighth Man’ – Controversial Decision for the Upcoming Season?

The Los Angeles Lakers took a chance on Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, hoping the University of Tennessee standout would bring scoring punch and shooting range to a team in need of youthful energy. For stretches of the 2024-25 NBA regular season, Knecht did just that—averaging 37.6 percent from three on 4.4 attempts per game and establishing himself as a rotation-level contributor.

However, when the stakes rose in the postseason, Knecht disappeared from the Lakers’ game plan, logging just two appearances and five total points in their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The underwhelming playoff showing has sparked fresh skepticism about his future in Los Angeles—and now a prominent Lakers insider has added fuel to the fire.

Jovan Buha: Knecht is Likely an “8th or 9th Man” at Best

Speaking recently about the Lakers’ roster-building options, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha delivered a brutally honest assessment of Knecht’s future in L.A.

“Basically, it comes down to the Lakers only have so many assets to trade,” Buha said. “And Dalton Knecht, I think at best next season, is an eighth man—and probably is an eighth, ninth man.”

Buha’s comments emphasize a stark reality: while Knecht flashed scoring ability, he’s not viewed internally as a high-upside cornerstone. The Lakers are in win-now mode and will be prioritizing veteran talent and immediate impact, which may leave little room for a player still finding his NBA footing.

Trade Talks and a Failed Deal with Charlotte

The skepticism surrounding Knecht is not new. Before the February 2025 trade deadline, the Lakers actually agreed to send him and other assets to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mark Williams. But in a twist of fate, the trade was voided after Williams failed his physical.

That near-move now looks more like a prelude to what could happen this offseason. With Knecht reportedly viewed as expendable, L.A. could revisit trade options—especially if it helps them acquire a starting-caliber big man.

Kristaps Porzingis: A Possible Big-Man Target

Among the names floated as a potential trade target is Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis. The Latvian big man had a disappointing second-round showing against the Knicks, which may have caused his trade value to plummet. However, Porzingis remains one of the NBA’s most versatile bigs when healthy, offering elite shot-blocking, stretch shooting, and the kind of offensive spacing the Lakers have lacked from the center position.

Porzingis also has experience playing alongside high-usage stars like Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum, making him an intriguing fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis—assuming the Lakers are willing to gamble on his durability.

Knecht vs. Bronny: Rookie Year Comparisons and Public Perception

Ironically, Knecht was the Lakers’ most statistically productive rookie, even though Bronny James dominated media attention. While Bronny only played in 27 of the team’s 82 games and averaged minimal minutes, Knecht earned meaningful time in the rotation.

Still, Knecht’s lack of playoff utility may be the nail in the coffin for his L.A. tenure. Despite outperforming Bronny in the regular season, he lacked the defensive versatility and playoff grit that head coach Darvin Ham needs from his role players.

Lakers’ Roster Needs: A Center or a Wing?

The Lakers’ front office is under pressure to make impactful changes after yet another early playoff exit. That could include:

• Upgrading the center position to take pressure off Davis.

• Finding a reliable wing defender to match up with elite perimeter scorers.

• Retooling the bench unit for more consistency.

If Knecht is only viewed as an eighth or ninth man, then trading him—especially while he still carries some draft pedigree value—makes strategic sense.

Should the Lakers Keep or Trade Dalton Knecht?

There are two prevailing schools of thought on the Knecht dilemma:

✅ Reasons to Keep Him:

• Elite shooting upside, which is always valuable in today’s NBA.

• A full offseason with the team could improve his defense and confidence.

• Low salary cap hit makes him an affordable bench scorer.

❌ Reasons to Trade Him:

• Limited versatility—he’s not a strong on-ball defender or playmaker.

• The Lakers need win-now pieces, not developmental projects.

• His value is still relatively high as a recent first-round pick.

What’s Next for Knecht and the Lakers?

It’s hard to ignore the writing on the wall. The Lakers already tried to trade Knecht once and may do so again this offseason. With LeBron nearing 41 and the team’s championship window narrowing, there’s little room for patience with young players. Unless Knecht shows massive offseason improvement, his role will likely remain marginal—or shift to another team altogether.

The upcoming NBA Draft and free agency period will be crucial for the Lakers’ front office. Whether they pursue someone like Porzingis or another veteran big, Knecht’s name will undoubtedly come up in trade conversations.

Conclusion: Is This the End of the Road for Dalton Knecht in L.A.?

While Dalton Knecht has the skills to be a valuable NBA player, the reality in Los Angeles is harsh: if you’re not helping the team win now, you’re likely to be moved. Lakers insider Jovan Buha’s assertion that Knecht is “at best an eighth man” may be tough to hear for fans hoping for a breakout sophomore year, but it’s a reflection of how serious the Lakers are about chasing another title.

Unless he shows he can be more than just a shooter, Knecht may soon find himself in a new jersey—with a fresh start and another chance to prove he belongs.