Three reasons Dalton Knecht was destined to fail on the LA Lakers

Knecht was set to enter his third year with the Lakers. The team had explored a trade with other teams in a similar position but no deals could be reached, and the decision was made to waive Knecht.

Here is a look at three reasons Dalton Knecht’s career with the LA Lakers failed…

Overshadowed by Bronny James

Dalton Knecht was the LA Lakers’ first-round selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. But most of the headlines were dominated by the team’s second-round pick, Bronny James.

Bronny James’ debut made headlines around the world, when he played alongside dad LeBron James as the NBA’s first-ever father-son duo.

Knecht had a bright start, he even scored 37 points in a game against the Utah Jazz in November 2024.

Despite this, Bronny James was the big draw – even when he had been moved down to play in the G-League.

Luka Doncic arrival forced trade move

The LA Lakers’ strategy flipped when the team traded away Anthony Davis to acquire Luka Doncic, leaving the team exposed without a center. Suddenly the decision to select Knecht ahead of a center in the draft looked nonsensical.

The Lakers traded Knecht to the Hornets, before being forced to take him back after the Mark Williams side of the deal was rescinded, due to a failed physical.

Knecht never recovered. His statistics dropped across the second half of the season, with his confidence shaken.

But most worrying of all, it became clear that Knecht no longer seemed to fit. He was a spare part of the roster, who no longer worked in the Doncic-led era.

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Failed to win over JJ Redick’s trust

Even amid Knecht’s early big games, his contribution could be a double-edged sword. Knecht’s defense was lacking and he failed to earn the trust of coach JJ Redick.

Knecht barely played in the playoffs at all, averaging only 3.1 minutes in seven appearances, usually at moments when the game had already been decided.

Last season Knecht’s minutes went down to 10.2 per game from 19.4 in his rookie year, starting only once compared to 16 previously.

Everything was trending in the wrong direction for Knecht, and it is now good for him to have a fresh start.

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