If you let the Summer League critics tell his story, Dalton Knecht was destined to fail before the 2025-26 season could even begin. The second-year wing was already struggling to secure a steady role with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his performances in Las Vegas sealed his fate.
In a span of just two NBA games, however, Knecht has unequivocally proven that [he still has the tools](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-no-choice-unleash-dalton-knecht-fix-biggest-flaw) to be a high-level contributor in Los Angeles.
Knecht was a healthy scratch from the Lakers' first game of the 2025-26 regular season and played a combined 20 minutes over the next two outings. JJ Redick's lineup decisions fanned the flames, seemingly convincing the critics that they were right to write Knecht off.
The past two games have told an entirely different story, however, as the second-year sharpshooter has completely changed the dynamic of the second unit.
Knecht scored 16 points in 25 minutes, adding two steals and a block, during his first high-usage game of the season on Oct. 27 against the Portland Trail Blazers. Two days later, he posted 15 points in 36 minutes, adding two blocks and a steal as the Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In both of those resurgent games, Knecht embraced a fearlessness that the Lakers have desperately needed from their reserves over the past two seasons.
Lakers' Dalton Knecht assertive on offense, more determined on defense
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Knecht has been handed a significant level of responsibility due to the rush of injuries the Lakers are fighting to overcome. Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt have been [moved into the starting lineup](https://lakeshowlife.com/jake-laravia-continues-lakers-trend-keeps-saving-rob-pelinka-job), thus depleting the second unit as Los Angeles plays without Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Even if the Lakers were healthy, however, there would still be a need for Knecht's scoring ability—a truth he's exemplifying while simultaneously stepping up on defense.
Los Angeles ranked No. 29 in the NBA in bench points per game in 2024-25 and failed to make the type of personnel changes over the summer that would imply they can improve upon that figure. LaRavia has the potential to produce respectable numbers, but he's less of a scorer and more of a well-rounded wing.
Knecht, meanwhile, has averaged 16.9 points per 36 minutes on .461/.368/.764 shooting over the course his first 82 NBA games and isn't showing signs of slowing down.
The key to Knecht turning his recent uptick in playing time into something meaningful has been his attention to detail on defense. He still has room to improve, but he's getting back in transition, meeting opponents at the rim, and matching up with players at multiple positions.
If Knecht can sustain his consistent effort on defense, then there's ample reason to believe he can realize his offensive potential—primarily due to the fact that he's thriving with a broken jumper.
Dalton Knecht is playing winning basketball without shooting efficiently
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It's been a pleasure to watch Knecht's resurgence, particularly due to how it's come about. He's shot just 3-of-13 from beyond the arc over the past two games, which would seemingly imply that he's played poorly during that time.
It's even more difficult to write his poor shooting off when one considers the fact that his ability to space the floor is typically regarded as his primary skill.
Knecht was always a three-level scorer at the collegiate level, however, and that ability is translating to the NBA. He's getting into the teeth of opposing defenses and mixing up his finishes, with soaring dunks, step-back jump shots, and floaters all saving the Lakers' second unit from silence.
Knecht's jump shot needs to be fixed if he hopes to contribute once Doncic and James are healthy, but he shot 37.5 percent from distance as a rookie and should at least return to that level of efficiency.
It's admittedly unclear what the rotation will look like once Doncic, James, and Gabe Vincent return from their respective injuries. The door is wide open for Knecht to make a lasting impression, however, and he's already capitalizing on the opportunity.
Previously written off as a player who's destined to be overlooked, Knecht is making it impossible to ignore how valuable he can be to the Lakers.