Dalton Knecht’s disappointing second season and the Lakers’ crowded roster could leave the former first-round pick without a place in Los Angeles.
Dalton Knecht entered the NBA as one of the most accomplished scorers in the 2024 draft class. Two years later, the former first-round pick could be running out of time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
That would represent a rapid fall for the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but Los Angeles’ crowded rotation and Knecht’s regression last season have made his future increasingly uncertain.
Feb 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) and guard Luka Doncic (77) on the bench in the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesKnecht Lost His Place
Knecht averaged 9.1 points and shot 37.6% from 3-point range as a rookie, showing the movement shooting and instant offense that made him an attractive prospect coming out of Tennessee.
His second season did not follow the same trajectory.
Knecht averaged only 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 54 appearances during the 2025-26 season. He played 10.2 minutes per game and shot 34.2% from beyond the arc, eventually falling outside coach JJ Redick’s regular rotation.
The Lakers even assigned Knecht to the South Bay Lakers during the season, giving him opportunities to find a rhythm in the G League. By the playoffs, he was used almost exclusively in limited or low-leverage situations.
Feb 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) and guard Luka Doncic (77) on the bench in the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesHis offense has also not been consistent enough to offset his defensive limitations. Knecht was drafted primarily for his shooting, but Los Angeles now has several players who can provide spacing while offering more defensively or as playmakers.
Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Jake LaRavia give Redick multiple options on the wing. Cameron Carr, the Lakers’ 2026 first-round pick, also represents a younger developmental investment.
Trade Makes More Sense Than Waiving Him
Los Angeles does not have to give Knecht away.
He remains on an affordable rookie contract and has shown enough scoring ability to interest a rebuilding team willing to offer him a larger role. Trading him for draft compensation or including him in a package for another player would allow the Lakers to create a roster spot without losing the former first-round pick for nothing.
Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California; Los AngelesLakersforwardDaltonKnecht(4) dunks the ball against Utah Jazz guard Hayden Gray (33_, forward Cody Williams (5) and center Oscar Tshiebwe (34) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThe Lakers could also enter training camp with all 16 players and allow the competition to determine who stays. Knecht would need to rediscover his shooting touch and prove he can survive defensively to change the conversation.
Los Angeles has shifted firmly into the Luka Dončić era, and its offseason additions were made with immediate contention in mind. Every roster spot must fit that objective.
Knecht still possesses a valuable NBA skill, but on this version of the Lakers, that may no longer be enough to secure his place.
