As rumors continue to swirl over the Lakers’ trade assets, one insider has fanned the flames around Dalton Knecht’s possible exit.
Insider Tabs Lakers Forward as Candidate for ‘Fresh Start’
Marc Stein on Knecht
In his Tuesday night rumor roundup, NBA insider Marc Stein mentioned Knecht as one player who needs a change of scenery—a common narrative built from the young forward’s mounting struggles.
“Another player to watch in terms of possible fresh starts is the Lakers’ Dalton Knecht, who was traded to Charlotte a year ago before being forced to return to LA when the purple and gold rescinded its deal to acquire Mark Williams from the Hornets.”
In 36 games of a sophomore slump, Knecht has averaged 4.8 points and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 43.7% from the field and 31.9% from three. It’s a far cry from the efficient 9.1 points per game he posted as a rookie, a campaign that included a Rising Stars selection and—at one point—an early case for Rookie of the Year.
As injuries mounted in December and early January—headlined by Austin Reaves’ absence—head coach JJ Redick said Knecht would earn consistent opportunities by “[playing] hard.”
“That’s been the biggest point of emphasis for him all season. He’s not gonna be judged on whether he makes or misses shots, but that helps. When you go through a stretch where you feel like your team isn’t playing hard, you gotta play the guys that are consistently playing hard. I think he’s had some really good moments already this season and I think for him, … he’s gonna have consistent playing time and consistent opportunities.”
However, since Redick’s comments on Jan. 4, Knecht has averaged 10.3 minutes and put up 2.8 points on 32% shooting from the field. With Reaves progressing toward a return and veteran contributors stepping up, it only spells more trouble for Knecht’s situation.
Where Could Knecht Go?
If the Lakers packaged Knecht’s $4 million salary with other expiring contracts, perhaps he could get that fresh start on a low to mid-tier team, free from championship-level pressures with a true opportunity to grow.
In that case, squads like the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans could be logical fits. They each have players the Lakers would want, and they’ve all struggled with perimeter shooting this season—ranking in the bottom-ten in three-point makes and percentage. And between the young core of the Pelicans or the veteran-laden Kings and Mavericks, Knecht could fit their respective timelines as a 24-year-old wing.
It’d be a difficult sell with the Lakers’ dull assets and Knecht’s lackluster production. But the team can’t afford to stand pat as the playoff race intensifies, leading to a potential deadline breakup with Knecht that could send him out for good.
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