LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers have been grappling with offensive woes this season, ranking 25th in the league with a dismal 34.6 percent from beyond the arc. As the team searches for solutions to reignite their scoring, head coach JJ Redick is turning to a promising yet underutilized talent: second-year wing Dalton Knecht.
After spending much of the season on the fringes of the rotation, Knecht is set to receive significant playing time, starting with the Lakers’ matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Redick made the announcement clear ahead of the game, emphasizing that Knecht’s opportunity isn’t just a temporary fix but part of a broader plan to inject energy and shooting into the lineup.
“Dalton will get a look tonight and for the foreseeable future,” Redick stated during his pre-game press conference. He stressed that Knecht’s role hinges on effort rather than immediate results. “Play hard, that’s been the biggest point of emphasis for him all season. He’s not going to be judged on whether he makes or misses shots… When you go through a stretch where you feel like your team isn’t playing hard, you got to play the guys that are consistently playing hard.”
Redick’s confidence in Knecht stems from the young player’s potential to address the Lakers’ glaring deficiency in 3-point shooting. Selected with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Knecht showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, averaging 37.6 percent from three on 4.4 attempts per game last season. This year, however, his opportunities have been limited, resulting in a 35.8 percent clip on just over two attempts per contest.
“I think he’s had some really good moments already this season,” Redick added. “For him, probably the next week or so, he’s going to have consistent playing time and consistent opportunities.”
Knecht’s path this season has been rocky. He started strong as a key rotational piece but lost momentum following a rescinded trade with the Charlotte Hornets involving Mark Williams. The deal’s fallout appeared to shake his confidence, leading to reduced minutes and even a brief G League assignment with the South Bay Lakers – his first such stint in the pros.
Despite these setbacks, Knecht’s skill set aligns perfectly with the Lakers’ needs. His ability to shoot from deep, move off the ball, and complement stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis could provide the spark the offense desperately requires. One standout performance came on October 29, when Knecht erupted for 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting (58.3 percent) in a crucial road victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The timing couldn’t be better for Knecht’s resurgence. The Lakers are dealing with a wave of injuries, sidelining key players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Adou Thiero. With the roster depleted, Redick sees this as the ideal window to integrate Knecht more fully.
While the Lakers’ defense has drawn much of the criticism this season, their offensive struggles have been equally concerning. Redick’s decision to lean on Knecht signals a shift toward prioritizing hustle and shooting efficiency. If Knecht seizes this chance, he could solidify his place in the rotation – even when the injured players return.
As the Lakers aim to climb out of their early-season slump, all eyes will be on Knecht. The wait for his breakthrough may indeed be over, but his performance in the coming games will determine if this plan becomes a long-term solution for Los Angeles’ offensive revival.