Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Pops for 15 points from bench
Rotowire
Knecht registered 15 points (7-12 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 0-1 FT), one rebound, one assist, two blocks and one steal in 36 minutes during Wednesday's 116-115 win over the Timberwolves.
Knecht's role should continue to expand, given the state of the Lakers' roster. If the persistent trade rumors surrounding Knecht had any truth to them, the organization is likely relieved that they didn't pull the trigger. The team is snake-bit with injuries, and support players like Knecht will be essential in keeping the team above water for the next few weeks.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Steps up with 16 points
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Knecht finished with 16 points (5-13 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), two rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals in 25 minutes during Monday's 122-108 loss to the Trail Blazers.
Knecht didn't play at all on Opening Night, but his minutes have been trending up for three straight games due to injuries. He's shooting 37.5 percent from the field overall, but he did have some nice moments in Monday's loss. If the Lakers get some reinforcements back for Wednesday's game against Minnesota, Knecht could again be facing an uphill battle for playing time.
Knecht didn't see the floor during the regular-season opener against the Warriors on Tuesday.
Knecht was expected to be part of head coach JJ Redick's rotation to get the 2025-26 campaign underway. However, he and Bronny James (ankle) did not record any minutes on the floor, raising questions about their roles this season.
The Lakers picked up Knecht's $4.2 million team option for the 2026-27 season on Tuesday, Keith Smith of Spotrac.com reports.
The transaction was mostly a formality and keeps Knecht on the Lakers' books through his third NBA season. Although Knecht didn't produce eye-popping stat lines in the preseason, multiple reports have suggested that head coach JJ Redick has been impressed by the second-year wing during training camp. With LeBron James (sciatica) sidelined to begin the season, Knecht should have the opportunity to be a regular part of the Los Angeles rotation, though he may not get enough minutes to be much of a fantasy factor.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Coming off bench Friday
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Knecht won't start in Friday's preseason game against the Kings, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
With Austin Reaves (rest) returning to action, Knecht will move to the second unit in Los Angeles' preseason finale. The second-year swingman is likely to compete for playing time with Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia off the bench this season.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Starting Wednesday
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Knecht is part of the first unit for Wednesday's preseason game against the Mavericks, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
Knecht will snare a start Wednesday for the closing leg of a back-to-back set. He'll be joined by Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes in the starting five.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Bench role Tuesday
Rotowire
Knecht will come off the bench during Tuesday's preseason game against the Suns, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
After logging 34 minutes as a starter during Sunday's preseason win over the Warriors, Knecht will be in the second unit. The second-year pro is coming off a strong performance in which he finished with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Logs team-high 34 minutes
Rotowire
Knecht totaled 16 points (4-9 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 6-8 FT), three rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes during Sunday's preseason win over Golden State.
Knecht started and saw a hefty amount of playing time, finishing as one of the three Lakers players with at least 16 points. While the production was strong on the surface, his lack of peripheral production remains an issue. Outside of a very short run last season, Knecht has struggled to make a name for himself in the NBA. Barring injuries to other players, it's hard to see him taking too many steps forward this season.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Starting Sunday
Rotowire
Knecht is part of the starting lineup for Sunday's preseason game against Golden State, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
Knecht has gone 5-for-21 from the field through two exhibition games, but he'll draw his first start of the preseason Sunday. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Deandre Ayton make up the rest of the starting five.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Struggles in preseason opener
Rotowire
Knecht tallied six points (2-10 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and six rebounds during Friday's 103-81 preseason loss to the Suns.
Knecht and fellow 2024 draft pick Bronny James combined to go 3-for-22 from the field, including 2-for-15 from three-point range in Friday's exhibition contest. Knecht is aiming to carve out a meaningful role for himself off the bench, especially after a tumultuous rookie season in which he was traded to the Hornets in early February only for the transaction to be rescinded. His main competition for minutes off the bench will come from the likes of Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart (Achilles).
Knecht (calf) is available and starting in Monday's Summer League game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Knecht was diagnosed with a right calf cramp after Thursday's Summer League loss to the Mavericks, during which he left in the fourth quarter and did not return. The 24-year-old was later ruled out for Saturday's win over the Pelicans, though he will return to game action Monday.
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Lakers' Dalton Knecht: Won't play vs. New Orleans
Rotowire
Knecht (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Pelicans, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Knecht dealt with cramping in his right calf during Thursday's game against the Mavericks. Although that doesn't seem to be a big concern for the second-year sharpshooter, the Lakers have decided to rest him for Saturday's Summer League matchup in Las Vegas.
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