The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a tough reality with their second-year guard, Dalton Knecht, whose defensive shortcomings have sparked concern within the organization. Selected for his elite offensive capabilities, Knecht’s struggles on the defensive end could jeopardize his role in the team’s rotation for the 2025-26 season, leaving the front office scrambling to address the issue.
A Promising Start Derailed by Defensive Woes
Dalton Knecht was not drafted in the first round to anchor the Lakers’ defense, and his performance has reflected that expectation—or lack thereof. While his offensive prowess, particularly his three-point shooting, was a standout during his college career at Big Sky and early in his NBA tenure, his defensive deficiencies have become glaring. If this trend continues, Knecht’s place in the Lakers’ lineup could fade, especially with the team’s recent roster upgrades.
The Lakers bolstered their defensive lineup this offseason by adding Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, while losing Dorian Finney-Smith. Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, brings lockdown intensity, and LaRavia’s underrated defensive versatility at the forward position gives head coach JJ Redick reliable options. These additions make it harder for Knecht to secure consistent minutes, especially after being relegated to the bench for much of last season due to his defensive struggles.
The Offensive Bright Spot
Knecht’s appeal lies in his ability to score, particularly from beyond the arc. In November 2024, he showcased his potential, averaging 13.6 points per game with an impressive 46% three-point shooting rate. This explosive offensive output was exactly what general manager Rob Pelinka envisioned when drafting Knecht, whose polished scoring ability stood out in last year’s draft class. His quick-release threes and versatility as a scorer made him a valuable asset for a Lakers team in need of offensive firepower.
However, his production took a nosedive in December 2024, when his three-point shooting plummeted to a dismal 15.6%. Without his shooting touch, Knecht’s defensive weaknesses became impossible to ignore. By 2025, his playing time dwindled to under 20 minutes per game, and he was entirely excluded from the rotation during the Lakers’ playoff run. For a player drafted to provide instant offense, this was a troubling development.
Can Knecht Overcome His Defensive Struggles?
Many NBA guards, particularly those with an offensive focus, struggle defensively early in their careers. The Lakers have the defensive depth to compensate for Knecht’s shortcomings, with players like Jared Vanderbilt and Marcus Smart capable of anchoring the backcourt and wings. However, for Knecht to reclaim a spot in the rotation, he must rediscover the offensive consistency that made him a standout in November 2024.
The question remains: can Knecht become a reliable high-volume scorer for the Lakers? His ability to stretch the floor and score in multiple ways suggests he has the potential to be a key offensive contributor. If he can return to his early-season form, the Lakers may be willing to overlook his defensive lapses, especially in lineups where Smart and Vanderbilt can provide the necessary defensive support.
A Dream Lineup That May Never Happen
Could a lineup featuring Knecht, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves ever take the floor? Unlikely. The defensive liabilities of such a trio would be glaring, and it’s hard to imagine Redick experimenting with this combination. However, in specific situations—say, when the Lakers need a quick scoring punch and have Vanderbilt and Smart on the floor to cover defensively—Knecht could still carve out a role.
The Front Office’s Dilemma
The Lakers’ front office is now in a precarious position. Knecht was drafted to address the team’s need for offensive spark, but his defensive struggles have exposed a massive weakness that could limit his impact. With Smart and LaRavia providing defensive stability and other young talents vying for minutes, Knecht’s path back to the rotation is anything but guaranteed. The front office must decide whether to invest in developing his defensive skills or rely on his offensive potential in limited, situational roles.
For now, Knecht’s future with the Lakers hinges on his ability to rediscover his shooting stroke and prove he can contribute without being a liability on defense. If he can’t, the Lakers may be forced to confront the hard truth: their promising rookie may not fit into their long-term plans.