The Los Angeles Lakers made clever moves this offseason by signing three key players to complement LeBron James and Luka Dončić, creating a roster designed to chase a championship. But despite the excitement, one rising talent may already be on the chopping block. According to L.A. Sports Hub’s Cem Yolbulan, 6-foot-6 sharpshooter Dalton Knecht could be the odd man out as the Los Angeles Lakers shape their future around their superstar duo.
Why Dalton Knecht’s Role Is in Jeopardy
Dalton Knecht, who enters his second NBA season, finds himself in a precarious position. While he showed flashes of promise as a rookie, his skill set may not be enough for a Lakers team built to contend immediately.
Yolbulan expressed skepticism about Knecht’s ability to keep up with the demands of playing alongside elite teammates: “For a shooter like Knecht, playing next to the three-headed monster of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves is as good a situation as there can be in the NBA. Unfortunately, however, he has not done anything so far to prove that he is up to the challenge. He was a fine shooter as a rookie – 37.6% from downtown – but that is not nearly good enough for a player who does little else on the floor.” (H/t: Sporting News). This assessment raises questions about whether Knecht’s one-dimensional playstyle will hold value in a crowded rotation.
Key Concerns About Dalton Knecht
• Limited Skillset: Beyond shooting, Knecht has yet to display versatility in other areas of the game.
• Age Factor: Despite being a sophomore in the league, Knecht was one of the oldest rookies drafted in his class and is already nearing 25.
• Increased Competition: With more reliable options in the Lakers’ rotation, his minutes could dwindle quickly.
• LeBron’s Timeline: With James nearing the twilight of his career, the Lakers cannot afford developmental patience.
LeBron’s Past Praise vs Present Reality
Interestingly, LeBron James praised Knecht even before he officially joined the Los Angeles Lakers organization. That early endorsement raised expectations, but his inability to replicate college success in the NBA has created doubts. Now, with more firepower added to the roster, Knecht will need to adapt quickly or risk losing his place in the team’s long-term plans.
What This Means for the Los Angeles Lakers
For the Los Angeles Lakers, the decision surrounding Knecht is not just about one player – it’s about aligning every roster spot with LeBron’s limited championship window. While Knecht still has potential as a shooter, time and opportunity may not be on his side.
If he fails to prove himself in the upcoming season, the Lakers could look to cut ties sooner rather than later.
