Los Angeles Lakers wing Dalton Knecht played a grand total of 20 minutes between the team's first three games. That includes a healthy scratch during the opener that seemed to reveal the Lakers' priorities and general view of the current stages of his development.
Opportunity came knocking on Monday, Oct. 27, however, and he instantly revealed why he needs to continue to factor into JJ Redick's rotation.
Knecht played 25 minutes during the Lakers' 122-108 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a disappointing team result, of course, but the second-year sharpshooter offered a quick reminder of the value he can provide.
Knecht scored 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, adding two rebounds, one assist, two steals, and a block while burying all four of his free throw attempts.
Knecht's uptick in playing time can be directly connected to the rush of injuries the Lakers were forced to overcome. Los Angeles played Portland without Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Gabe Vincent, all of whom are likely to continue to miss games due to their respective ailments.
Knecht's performance should act as proof that he needs regular minutes, however, as the only Lakers reserve who can be trusted for reliable offensive contributions.
Dalton Knecht is the only Lakers reserve who's assertive on offense
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Knecht shot just 2-of-8 from beyond the arc, which is both a poor reflection of his primary skill and a testament to how well he played. Even when his shot wasn't falling in the way it typically does, Knecht found a way to contribute positive minutes on offense.
For a Lakers team that ranked No. 29 in the NBA in bench scoring in 2024-25 and has been effectively begging its reserves to attempt shots in 2025-26, Knecht could prove invaluable.
Prior to Knecht's 13-shot performance against Portland, the Lakers' reserves combined for one game in which a single bench player attempted more six field goals. Even putting aside matters of efficiency, that glaring reluctance to even attempt shots is destined to [create an unsustainable formula for success](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-unsustainable-formula-success-easily-fixed).
Considering the only player who [exceeded six attempts was Jake LaRavia](https://lakeshowlife.com/jake-laravia-finally-message-lakers-contend), who shot 3-of-10 on Oct. 26 and started on Oct. 27, Knecht's case for consistent minutes is clear.
Dalton Knecht has flaws, but offers a necessary change of pace
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Oct. 27 marked the 37th time in Knecht's two-year career that he received at least 20 minutes of playing time. He's compiled averages of 14.5 points and 2.6 three-point field goals made per game during those 37 appearances, scoring in double figures on 28 occasions.
Knecht has 33 games with at least 10 point since debuting in 2024-25, which is only three less than fellow Lakers reserves LaRavia and Gabe Vincent managed during that time—combined.
This is by no means an attempt to downplay the value of elements other than scoring, particularly in regard to defensive-minded contributors such as LaRavia and Vincent. The bottom line, however, is that the Lakers are in dire need of reliable production off the bench and there isn't a proven source of it.
The only exception to that rule appears to be Knecht, whose range as a shooter and three-level potential as a scorer could alleviate significant pressure from the starters.
Knecht needs to improve his defensive consistency in order to carve out a truly significant role in the rotation, but the Lakers can't keep neglecting his offensive proficiency. Los Angeles is dead last in passes, distance traveled on offense, and catch-and-shoot three-point field goal percentage, and Knecht's off-ball movement and skill set can contribute to aiding the effort to improve in all three areas.
It may not be a perfect solution to the problem at hand, but giving Knecht a consistent opportunity to establish himself as the second unit's go-to scorer would accentuate his teammates' strengths.