Dalton Knecht is a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who just finished his rookie season in the NBA. He had a strong first year in the league and is looking to build upon it next year.
Prior to becoming a Laker, Knecht attended the University of Tennessee where he helped lead them to an Elite Eight appearance. He was then drafted 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Since being drafted, he has fit right in with the Lakers.
He averaged an impressive 9.1 ppg, 0.8 apg, and 2.8 rpg in only 19.2 minutes per game. Knecht was a key bench player for the Lakers and he helped them reach the playoffs this year. He was one of the top rookies in the league and was even selected to the NBA Rising Stars Team at All-Star Weekend.
Knecht did not see much playing time in the playoffs, but he was able to contribute during the little bit that he played. He played in two games and averaged 2.5 ppg and 1.5 rpg in just two minutes per game.
In February, the Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets were negotiating a trade that would have seen Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap go to Charlotte and Hornets center Mark Williams come to Los Angeles. Knecht was even flown out to Charlotte, thinking that the trade was going to be finalized, but then the Lakers failed Williams’ physical, and the trade fell through.
Knecht returned to Los Angeles with a positive mindset, stating, “I just want to go hoop. I told that to JJ [Redick] and Rob [Pelinka].”
These are the types of things that build a player’s character. Although Knecht was never officially traded, he still had to go through the initial heartbreak of knowing that he was going to have to leave the Lakers. Now that he is back with them, he likely feels even more connected and ready to prove his value to them.
The Lakers still ended up trading for Luka Dončić in the middle of the season. Now Knecht has the luxury of playing alongside both LeBron James and Dončić, two of the biggest superstars in the league.
The Lakers did not have the postseason that they were hoping for, but they are looking to build this offseason and come back stronger next year. They have all of the talent necessary to become NBA Champions; the only thing missing from their arsenal is a true center.
The Lakers faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Quarterfinals where they were beaten four games to one. Their sole victory came at home in Game Two. The Lakers had a few close games against the Timberwolves, but ultimately Minnesota was the better team.
Knecht had a solid rookie year, and he is only going to continue to improve as he gets more experience. He has the ability to become a star in the league. He and the Lakers will look to win an NBA Championship next season.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
