The Los Angeles Lakers want to build a title contender around Luka Doncic, which has firmly put Dalton Knecht’s place with the franchise in question. Knecht's summer league struggles cast further [doubt on his current role](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-biggest-dalton-knecht-worry-should-terrify-fans). The 24-year-old has defensive issues and doesn’t fit next to Luka or Austin Reaves. If he can’t help the Lakers win games this season, it is time for the franchise to move on.
Knecht averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 19.2 minutes per game as a rookie. He fell completely out of the rotation in the playoffs as head coach JJ Redick couldn’t justify his subpar defense. Knecht is a plus shooter, but the Lakers were outscored by 2.3 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. The team was 6.3 points per 100 better when Knecht was on the bench.
The Lakers are hard-capped at the first apron and sit just $1.1 million below that mark. Luka [has them thinking championship](https://lakeshowlife.com/lebron-james-disrespecting-luka-doncic-greatness-if-rumors-are-true). To get there, Rob Pelinka and the front office must maximize their roster. If Knecht isn’t part of the solution, the Lakers may trade him again.
Dalton Knecht is already on thin ice with the Lakers
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Knecht has two massive improvements to make before training camp opens on Sept. 29. He must play passable defense to get on the floor, which includes being locked in on the scheme and fulfilling his responsibilities. The 6’6 wing can’t get caught watching the ball or falling asleep on his assignments. Knecht also must get his jumper back in order after the recent struggles.
There is no better pick-and-roll playmaker in the world than Luka Doncic. He loves finding wide-open corner 3-point shooters. Knecht could thrive in that role, but he can’t just be a shooter. The Lakers need him to be able to make a simple pass and hold his own defensively.
The 24-year-old is playing for his future with the franchise from the moment he arrives at training camp. LA added Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia on the wing this offseason. They clearly thought they needed an upgrade, which means a more difficult path to playing time for Knecht.
The sophomore must earn a rotation role or he will unquestionably be on the trade block before the Feb. 5 deadline. The Lakers traded him in the eventually rescinded Mark Williams deal with the Hornets. They certainly won’t be afraid to send him packing again if they can acquire an upgrade.
The ice is thin entering Dalton Knecht’s second NBA season. His poor performance against his peers in summer league made things worse. The Lakers have no reason to trust his defense or playmaking. Knecht is strictly a shooter at this stage with limited usefulness to a team that wants to contend.
The Los Angeles Lakers upgraded their roster this offseason and won’t be afraid to make a trade before the deadline if the right move comes along. Dalton Knecht must show something immediately, or it could be the end of his time in Tinseltown.