What Do the Lakers Get from Dalton Knecht After the Luka Doncic Trade: The Numbers Say It All!

Dalton Knecht, the electrifying rookie out of Tennessee, entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high expectations after being drafted 17th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. While some questioned whether Knecht could adapt to the NBA level quickly, the 23-year-old forward wasted no time making his mark in the Purple and Gold. Though the season came with its share of challenges, Knecht’s rookie campaign offered more than a few glimpses of his star potential.

Drafted by the Lakers: A Dream Come True

For any young basketball player, hearing your name called by the Los Angeles Lakers is a defining moment. With a rich legacy that includes names like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, being selected by such an iconic franchise carries weight—and pressure.

When Dalton Knecht was picked No. 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, there was a sense of cautious optimism surrounding him. A consensus All-American and one of college basketball’s most dynamic scorers, Knecht brought with him a reputation for toughness, shooting prowess, and a high motor.

From Tennessee to Tinseltown: Knecht’s Explosive College Rise

Before suiting up for the Lakers, Knecht made headlines with an outstanding final season at Tennessee, where he averaged over 21 points per game. His ability to create shots, move off the ball, and knock down threes at a high clip made him one of the most efficient scorers in the NCAA.

Many draft analysts saw him as a mid-to-late first-round steal, and the Lakers were thrilled when he was still available at 17. General Manager Rob Pelinka cited Knecht’s NBA-ready body, maturity, and off-ball scoring as critical assets for a Lakers team that desperately needed perimeter shooting and youth.

Early Season Breakout: Knecht’s Red-Hot November

Though Dalton Knecht entered the league without the hype of a top-10 pick, he quickly found ways to contribute. His breakout performance came in November 2024, when he averaged 13.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across five high-impact games. During that stretch, Knecht poured in 114 points, catching the eye of analysts and fans alike.

At that point, the Lakers were dealing with a mix of injuries and roster adjustments, giving Knecht extended minutes. He made the most of the opportunity, logging 26.4 minutes per game and earning mentions in Rookie of the Year discussions.

Fans and analysts began calling Knecht the “steal of the draft,” praising his confident shot-making, athletic finishes, and ability to space the floor. The Lakers’ offense, often stagnant without LeBron James on the floor, benefitted from the rookie’s movement and smart positioning.

Shooting Efficiency and Versatility

What made Knecht stand out wasn’t just his scoring numbers—it was how efficiently he scored. According to Sofascore, he averaged:

• 9.4 points

• 3.1 rebounds

• 0.9 assists

• 46.5% field goal shooting

• 35.8% three-point shooting

Those shooting splits were particularly valuable for a Lakers team ranked in the bottom half of the league in three-point percentage. Knecht’s ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes, as well as his comfort creating off a single dribble, offered the Lakers lineup some much-needed versatility.

His shot selection was also a strong point. Knecht rarely forced bad looks and understood when to defer to veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His willingness to play within the system made him a trusted piece for head coach Darvin Ham early in the year.

Ups and Downs: The Challenges of a Full NBA Season

Of course, no rookie season is without its growing pains, and Dalton Knecht was no exception. As opposing teams gathered more film on his tendencies, Knecht faced tougher matchups and defensive pressure. By January, his minutes fluctuated due to the return of key players like Jarred Vanderbilt and the midseason acquisition of wing depth.

Fatigue may have also played a role, as Knecht’s scoring dipped slightly post-All-Star break. He occasionally struggled with defensive rotations and navigating through screens, a common issue for rookies adapting to NBA pace and physicality.

Still, even during the quieter stretches, Knecht continued to display high IQ plays, smart passing, and unselfish ball movement. He remained a valuable floor-spacer and showed improvement on the defensive end, particularly in one-on-one scenarios.

The Trade Deadline and Role Adjustment

Heading into the NBA Trade Deadline, rumors swirled about the Lakers possibly using Knecht as part of a trade package to bring in a veteran guard or wing. However, the front office held firm, believing in Knecht’s long-term upside.

Post-deadline, his role shifted slightly to accommodate new acquisitions. While his usage dropped, Knecht embraced the change, showing maturity beyond his years. He played more minutes off the bench, often serving as a spark plug in second-unit lineups. His attitude and work ethic during this phase earned high praise from the coaching staff.

What Makes Dalton Knecht Special?

Beyond the numbers, what separates Dalton Knecht from other rookies is his mindset. He doesn’t play like a first-year player—he plays with urgency and confidence. Whether it’s diving for loose balls, hustling in transition, or taking the big shot with the clock winding down, Knecht brings intensity every night.

LeBron James himself was seen on multiple occasions mentoring Knecht during games and practice sessions. In postgame interviews, James referred to Knecht as a “hard-nosed competitor with real potential,” signaling how much respect the young forward had earned in a short time.

Fan Reception: The New Fan Favorite in LA?

Los Angeles fans are known for their passionate support—and harsh criticism. But Dalton Knecht quickly became a fan favorite, particularly among younger Lakers fans who see him as a bridge to the post-LeBron era.

Nicknamed “DK” by some fans and media members, Knecht’s highlights have frequently gone viral on social media, especially his deep threes and thunderous transition dunks. Merchandise sales with his name and number saw a notable spike during his November hot streak, and he’s frequently greeted with loud cheers during home introductions at Crypto.com Arena.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Knecht and the Lakers?

As the 2024-25 NBA season nears its conclusion, the Lakers find themselves in a tight race for playoff positioning. And while Knecht may no longer be logging starter-level minutes, his role remains crucial.

Looking ahead, many insiders believe that Knecht could compete for a starting role in Year 2, especially as the Lakers look to gradually reduce the workload on aging stars like LeBron James. If he adds more strength, continues improving defensively, and sharpens his handle, he could become a reliable two-way wing in a league that thrives on versatile forwards.

Conclusion: Dalton Knecht’s Rookie Season Was a Foundation, Not a Peak

In a season of highs and lows, Dalton Knecht has done what few rookies manage—he earned trust, delivered impact, and stayed resilient through adversity. While he may not win Rookie of the Year or make All-Rookie First Team, what he’s built this season is far more valuable: a foundation.

As the Lakers begin preparing for life after LeBron, Knecht’s development is paramount. If he continues on this trajectory, he won’t just be part of the Lakers’ future — he’ll be one of the faces of the franchise.