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Dalton Knecht Faces Pressure to Rebound After Lackluster Summer League

Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The future of Dalton Knecht with the Los Angeles Lakers hangs in the balance following a disappointing Summer League performance. Once regarded as a promising first-round pick, Knecht entered the NBA with high expectations as a prolific scorer and floor spacer. However, after a rookie season that offered glimpses of potential, his trajectory has taken a troubling turn.

Knecht’s struggles have become increasingly apparent since trade discussions placed him briefly on the market. In the Summer League, he averaged only 10.3 points per game while shooting a mere 27.9 percent from the field. His shooting from beyond the arc was particularly concerning, as he managed just 23.8 percent from three-point range, hitting only 12 of 43 attempts overall.

His performance in Las Vegas and the California Classic further compounded these issues. Knecht recorded nine turnovers against just eight assists over six games, raising questions about his ability to maintain composure and rhythm—traits expected from a player of his caliber.

Concerns Over Consistency and Future Potential

The inconsistency displayed by Knecht has raised eyebrows within the Lakers organization. Players drafted for their shooting prowess typically use the Summer League as an opportunity to refine their skills. Yet, Knecht’s apparent struggles have led to doubts about his transition from an intriguing rookie to a reliable contributor.

While fans and analysts express concern, scouts and NBA executives caution that the Summer League is often a chaotic environment, focused more on individual performances than team dynamics. They suggest that Knecht’s true test will come during training camp and the preseason, where strong performances could help him regain confidence and reset the narrative surrounding his capabilities.

Knecht’s rookie season statistics were respectable, averaging 9.1 points per game with a shooting percentage of 37.6 percent from three across 78 appearances. However, competition for playing time has intensified with the Lakers’ recent acquisitions of defensive-minded veteran Marcus Smart and versatile wing Jake LaRavia. This heightened competition leaves Knecht with little room for error.

Implications for Knecht’s Career

If Knecht’s shooting struggles persist, his value as a “floor-spacing specialist” may come under scrutiny, particularly due to his defensive limitations. The shift in his trade value has already made a notable impact, transforming him from a potential asset into a possible liability in future deals. Should his performance continue to decline, the prospect of a stint with the South Bay Lakers in the G League could become a reality—a sobering possibility for a player who was selected 17th overall in the draft.

For Knecht, the mission ahead is clear and urgent: he must rediscover his shooting touch and demonstrate that he belongs in the NBA. The Lakers still recognize the importance of his skill set, but in a league that demands results, another stretch of poor performances could drastically alter the course of his career, pushing him into a challenging position from which recovery may prove difficult.

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