The Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-25 season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After a rough start, the team navigated a midseason trade saga, including the blockbuster acquisition of superstar Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, and ultimately secured the third seed in the Western Conference. However, the Lakers' playoff run ended abruptly, as they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
Rookie guard Dalton Knecht experienced a tumultuous first year. Selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists over 78 games, shooting 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. Despite showing promise, he struggled to find consistent minutes in head coach JJ Redick's rotation, averaging just 19.2 minutes per game.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) against the Golden State Warriors.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) against the Golden State Warriors.
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
In the midst of swirling trade rumors, Knecht took to Instagram to share a highlight reel of his rookie season, with a short caption: "Year 1."
Lakers fans quickly flooded the post with a show of support for the rookie.
"Absolute legend. You’ll see much more minutes this year. Keep that motivation," one fan wrote.
"Keep cooking next year," another fan wrote.
"Lakers future," a third fan added.
"Coach JJ… please let Knecht shine 𥺠he’s a star, don’t bench my goat like that," another fan pleaded.
"My ROTY," another fan declared.
The post comes after a season where he was nearly traded midseason to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mark Williams—a deal that was later rescinded due to Williams failing his physical. Although Knecht saw less minutes in his first year, the former Tennessee guard had standout moments, including a 37-point performance against the Utah Jazz, where he tied the rookie record for most 3-pointers in a game with nine.
Knecht's future with the Lakers remains uncertain with ongoing speculations suggesting he could be included in a trade package that brings a star center to Los Angeles. However, considering his potential and the flashes of brilliance he has shown, the Lakers could be keen on keeping him for another season.