The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2025-26 season with heightened expectations following major roster shifts after their disappointing first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last year. With the addition of Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, spots in their new rotation are going to be competitive for young players. One such player is sophomore guard Dalton Knecht, whose potential growth is going to determine how much he can contribute.
Analyst Trevor Lane believes that Knecht has an opportunity to make a significant impact in limited minutes. “El mejor escenario para Knecht ahora sería insertarlo, quizás como el noveno hombre, o incluso como decimo. Pero incluso si está jugando 12 minutos al día, 14 minutos, minutos limitados, podría darte seis, siete, ocho puntos en ese período y ser un gran impulso para la banca ofensiva de los Lakers,” Lane said. “La necesidad de los Lakers para la anotación de la banca es extremadamente apremiante. Además de lo anterior, Lane también señaló que LA terminó en último lugar en los puntos de la banca por 100 posesiones la temporada pasada, lo que destaca cuánto tuvieron que llevar la carga los titulares. Si Knecht puede anotar en ráfagas, podría aliviar la presión potencial sobre LeBron James, Luka Doncic, e incluso Austin Reaves, lo que les permitiría mantener una condición decente hacia el final de los juegos. Su capacidad para contribuir eficazmente desde la banca es crucial para un equipo que busca competir alrededor de su dúo de superestrellas.”
Knecht’s rookie campaign showed glimpses of his potential. He averaged 9.1 points on 37.6% shooting from three in around 19 minutes per game. Apart from his floor spacing, which is his greatest attribute, he has shown the ability to score efficiently on all levels. Consistency is key, and Lane’s assessment of the situation highlights that even limited time on the floor for the Lakers can make a difference if Knecht can hit his rhythm.
Lane touched on the trade angle for Knecht as well. He asked, “¿Podría rehacer parte de su valor y luego ser cambiado nuevamente? Los Lakers ya lo cambiaron una vez en la transacción con Mark Williams que fue rescindida. ¿Podría convertirse en un activo de intercambio nuevamente?” He added that Knecht’s increased production could make him a valuable asset and perhaps move him if a suitable return is offered. But Redick has faith in his young player.
JJ Redick Reinforces Belief in Knecht’s Development
Despite Knecht’s struggles during Summer League, where he had subpar efficiency from the field, Lakers head coach JJ Redick has been positive about his development. He told reporters during a press conference, “Dalton está en un lugar realmente bueno ahora. He tenido varios conversaciones con él a lo largo del verano. Todas han sido muy positivas. Realmente cree que el chico hizo demasiado después de la temporada, y creo que en Summer League estaba quemado.” Redick highlighted that Knecht’s workload contributed to his struggles. According to Redick, “Él estaba llegando aquí a las 5 a.m. para hacer tiros, luego estaba haciendo dos entrenamientos con nuestro personal de Summer League y en la sala de pesas.”
Redick emphasized that Knecht is ready physically, noting, “Él está en una forma fenomenal. Está en un lugar mental excelente. Ha jugado bien a lo largo de septiembre.” His improvement will position Knecht to make an immediate impact once he receives consistent playtime, potentially reinforcing depth and bench scoring.
Redick, during his playing career, had a similar beginning to Knecht – a great long-range shooter who had to earn his spot on a contending Orlando Magic team. Redick’s guidance is going to be key for Knecht’s development, and, with his coach’s endorsement, Knecht’s trajectory could lead to becoming a reliable option for the Lakers’ evolving roster.