The Alarming Silence: Dalton Knecht Only Scores 7 Points Per Game, Lakers Fans Are Worried

The Los Angeles Lakers have long been a franchise where young players either shine under the bright lights or fade away under the pressure. In the case of Dalton Knecht, the jury is still out after a rocky start to his second NBA season. After an encouraging rookie campaign, Knecht’s struggles in the 2025 NBA Summer League have set off alarm bells among fans and analysts alike.

A Promising Rookie Season That Gave Lakers Hope

Selected out of the University of Tennessee, Dalton Knecht came into the league as one of the most polished scorers in the 2024 NBA Draft. His ability to knock down shots from deep made him an attractive piece for the Lakers, who were desperate for perimeter scoring.

In his rookie year, Knecht averaged 9.1 points per game, shooting an efficient 46.1 percent from the field and nearly 38 percent from three-point range. His contributions off the bench were a bright spot in an otherwise tumultuous Lakers season that saw them exit the playoffs in disappointing fashion—losing in five games to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Lakers fans and front office personnel alike believed that Knecht could develop into a key rotational piece, if not a future starter alongside veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But his latest performances are now casting serious doubt on that once-bright trajectory.

Summer League Struggles Leave Fans Frustrated

The 2025 NBA Summer League was supposed to be an opportunity for Dalton Knecht to showcase his growth. Instead, he’s done the opposite, averaging just 7.0 points per game, shooting a dismal 5-of-20 from the field, and going 0-for-9 from beyond the arc. Even worse, his struggles have included five turnovers, raising questions about his ball-handling and decision-making under pressure.

Social media was quick to react to these underwhelming performances. Pages like Underdog NBA summed up the mood perfectly on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Dalton Knecht’s first two Summer League games this season: 7.0 PPG, 5-20 FG, 0-9 3PT, 5 TO.”

The fan responses ranged from concern to outright panic. Some fans called for patience, citing the nature of Summer League as a proving ground where young players work through growing pains. Others compared him unfavorably to Bronny James, LeBron’s son and a fellow 2024 draft pick.

“Bronny better,” one fan quipped, while another added: “Damn, he turned into Bronny.”

The Trade That Almost Happened—and Its Lingering Impact

Earlier in the offseason, the Lakers reportedly discussed trading Dalton Knecht as part of a package for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, but the deal ultimately fell through. Even though Knecht remained in Los Angeles, the trade talks hinted that the Lakers may not view him as an untouchable asset.

For a young player, being included in trade rumors can either motivate or destabilize. In Knecht’s case, fans now wonder if the mental weight of nearly being traded has impacted his confidence on the court. The Lakers’ ongoing search for a reliable center behind Anthony Davis may have sent an unspoken message to Knecht about where he stands in the franchise’s long-term plans.

JJ Redick’s Role in Knecht’s Development

With JJ Redick now taking over as head coach, much of the Lakers’ success will depend on his ability to develop young talent. Redick, a former sharpshooter himself, seemed like the perfect mentor for Knecht, who possesses a similar perimeter-oriented skillset.

But while Redick’s offensive system is expected to create opportunities for shooters like Knecht, execution has been a problem in Summer League. Knecht’s shot selection has appeared rushed at times, and his off-ball movement hasn’t been sharp enough to free himself for open looks. These are areas where Redick’s influence will need to make an immediate difference.

Lakers Fans Split Between Optimism and Concern

As always, Lakers Nation is divided. Some fans remain optimistic, citing Knecht’s rookie year numbers and reminding critics that Summer League is designed for experimentation and development.

“It’s Summer League, relax dawg,” one user posted, urging patience.

Others, however, are losing faith in the young guard.

“I’m still a believer idc,” one optimistic fan wrote, while another said bluntly, “He’s looking like a G-League player out there.”

For a franchise with championship aspirations, there is little room for player stagnation. If Dalton Knecht wants to solidify his place in the Lakers’ rotation, he will need to turn things around quickly.

What Does This Mean for the Lakers’ Title Aspirations?

The Lakers’ window for contention is shrinking, with LeBron James now 41 years old and playing on a season-to-season basis. For this team to reach the NBA Finals, they cannot afford any weak links in their rotation.

With Knecht projected as a rotational scorer off the bench, his production—or lack thereof—will directly impact the Lakers’ offensive spacing and bench depth. If Knecht struggles, the Lakers will need to look elsewhere for contributions, possibly putting additional strain on veterans like Austin Reaves, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown, whom the team reacquired this offseason.

The Lakers’ front office has shown it is not afraid to pull the trigger on trades, especially when a championship is on the line. If Knecht can’t find his rhythm, don’t be surprised if his name resurfaces in trade talks by midseason.

Can Dalton Knecht Bounce Back?

Despite his early Summer League woes, it’s far too soon to write off Dalton Knecht’s NBA career. Players often use the Summer League as a learning curve before taking a big leap in the regular season.

Knecht has shown that he can shoot at a high clip when confident. In his rookie year, he converted catch-and-shoot opportunities efficiently, spaced the floor well alongside LeBron and Davis, and played respectable defense against opposing wings.

More importantly, he has the work ethic. Knecht’s journey from junior college to Tennessee to the NBA was built on resilience. If there’s any player capable of handling adversity and bouncing back stronger, it’s him.

A Key Development Year Ahead

The 2025-26 NBA season will be critical for Knecht’s career. He no longer has the benefit of rookie leniency. With the Lakers chasing banners, every rotation player must contribute meaningfully. JJ Redick is expected to give Knecht opportunities in the regular season, but those opportunities won’t last forever if the struggles continue.

Knecht’s goals for this season should be simple:

• Regain confidence in his three-point shot

• Improve ball security and reduce turnovers

• Learn to impact the game even when his shot isn’t falling

• Play solid, consistent defense against NBA-caliber wings

If he can achieve these goals, he can remain an important part of the Lakers’ rotation. If not, the Lakers may look elsewhere.

The LeBron-Bronny Dynamic Looms Large

Adding intrigue to Knecht’s situation is the presence of Bronny James, whose development is another storyline for the Lakers. With media and fan attention largely focused on LeBron’s son, Knecht must perform to avoid being overshadowed.

Ironically, some fans are already pitting the two against each other on social media, with comparisons emerging after Knecht’s Summer League struggles.

But from a coaching perspective, the Lakers would love nothing more than for both young guards to flourish—creating a strong bench unit that can support the stars and extend leads when LeBron and Davis rest.

Conclusion: Is This Just a Rough Patch, or Cause for Concern?

Summer League is often filled with overreactions, both positive and negative. But for a win-now franchise like the Lakers, even small warning signs carry weight.

Right now, Dalton Knecht’s 7-point average, poor shooting percentages, and turnover issues have Lakers fans on edge. But it’s still July, and the real tests will come when the regular season begins and the stakes are higher.

For Knecht, this is a crucial moment in his young career. Either he rises to the challenge and becomes the player the Lakers hoped for when they drafted him, or he fades into the background of a franchise that can’t afford to wait on development.

One thing is certain: The next few months will define Dalton Knecht’s trajectory, not only in Los Angeles but in the NBA as a whole.