During the NBA Summer League on November 26, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht experienced a concerning injury scare after an awkward landing in a tight game against the Dallas Mavericks. Lakers coach Lindsey Harding later confirmed that Knecht’s exit was due to a calf cramp rather than a serious knee injury. This update brings some relief amid a crucial period for Knecht’s career as he works to solidify his role with the Lakers.
Pressure Mounts for Knecht Amid a Difficult Summer League Debut
Dalton Knecht entered the 2025 NBA Summer League with the clear intention of proving his value after a tumultuous rookie season that saw inconsistent playing time and nearly ended in a trade to Charlotte for Mark Williams. His performance so far, however, has been underwhelming, with shooting struggles and unpolished play frustrating Lakers fans eager to see him develop into a dependable player.
On November 26, as cameras focused on high-profile debutants Cooper Flagg and Bronny James, Knecht found himself trying to gain footing. Despite shooting 6-for-16, his night took a frightening turn late in the game when he landed awkwardly on a layup attempt and immediately held his leg in obvious pain. Athletics reporter Dan Woike observed the severity of the moment:
Dalton Knecht was grabbing at his knee, leg after missing that last layup. Hobbled through the next play and the Lakers have to take a timeout and get him out of the game.
—Dan Woike, Athletics
Knecht’s visible discomfort on the bench was a worrying sign for a young player in a make-or-break summer. The game itself was a close, intense contest that ended 87-85 in favor of the Mavericks, highlighted by a game-saving block from Flagg and a missed buzzer-beating shot by Bronny James.
Coach Harding Provides Reassurance on Knecht’s Condition
Following the narrow loss, Lakers Summer League coach Lindsey Harding clarified Knecht’s condition, offering important reassurance to fans and teammates alike. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, Harding attributed Knecht’s removal from the game to a calf cramp.
Dalton Knecht exited tonight’s game late with a calf cramp, per Lakers summer league coach Lindsey Harding.
—Jovan Buha, The Athletic
This announcement eased fears about a more serious injury and allowed everyone connected with the team to breathe a sigh of relief. However, the underlying pressure on Knecht remains significant, as this summer is critical for his development in the Lakers organization.
Why This Offseason Is Pivotal for Dalton Knecht’s Career
The injury scare highlights the high stakes Knecht faces as he competes to cement his future with the Lakers. After a rookie campaign filled with ups and downs, including being benched for the playoffs and speculation about trades, Knecht has shown flashes of his shooting ability by ranking third among rookies in 3-pointers made and efficiency. He recently shared a highlight reel from that season on Instagram, reminding fans—and himself—of his scoring potential.
Knecht understands the need for continued improvement. Reflecting on his growth after the season, he said,
Obviously, I gotta get better all around, try to be an overall better basketball player,
acknowledging the work needed to become a more complete player.
He has developed a close relationship with new Lakers head coach JJ Redick, known as an elite shooter, to sharpen his skills and basketball IQ. Knecht described their connection:
After the season we had a talk and stuff like that,
he revealed.
And we’ve been doing a workout. We’ve got lunch and stuff. Just talking and getting to know each other more… It’s good just getting to the gym with your head coach. Learn from him, because he’s a great shooter as well.
Team Support and Front Office Expectations Create More Pressure
Knecht’s teammates have also been vocal in their support. Austin Reaves has emerged as one of his strongest advocates, even predicting Knecht as the Lakers’ next breakout star. Reaves shared an anecdote about Knecht’s determination:
What do I need to do to get on the court?
Knecht asked him in the locker room, showing his hunger for minutes. Reaves praised his talent, stating,
His talent level is definitely there. You look at a game like Denver… he goes and has, I think, 35, his shot making ability’s through the roof.
Before the Summer League, during the California Classic, Knecht’s talent was evident as he scored 25 points and grabbed 8 rebounds against the Spurs, showcasing what he can achieve when confident. Yet, his name has remained frequently linked to trade rumors, indicating that the front office is sending messages about his role.
When GM Rob Pelinka signed Jake LaRavia, he highlighted LaRavia’s strengths as a “high IQ two-way player” and “disruptive defender,” subtly signaling what the team demands beyond scoring. For Knecht, who is primarily known for his offense, demonstrating defensive capabilities could be vital to securing his place with the Lakers.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Proving Himself
Dalton Knecht’s journey after that alarming moment in Phoenix depends on his ability to bounce back physically and mentally. The calf cramp may have been a temporary setback, but the larger challenge remains: developing into a consistent player who contributes on both ends of the court. At 24 years old, he is older than several contemporaries like Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, further emphasizing the urgency to show readiness.
With coach Lindsey Harding’s clarification and ongoing support from teammates and staff, Knecht has a clearer path to prove his value. The Lakers are seeking players who can help win now, and Knecht’s performance in upcoming games and workouts will be critical in determining whether he becomes a core piece or continues to face uncertainty.
As the Summer League progresses and the Lakers prepare for the regular season, all eyes will remain on Dalton Knecht to see if he can recover from his early struggles and injury scare to secure his future with the team.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much money did Dalton Knecht make?
A. Dalton Knecht agreed to a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $18,483,220. This deal includes $7,829,280 guaranteed money, averaging an annual salary of $4,620,805.
Q. How much does Dalton Knecht make?
A. Dalton Knecht agreed to a 4-year contract worth $18,483,220 with the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal includes $7,829,280 that is guaranteed. He will earn an average of $4,620,805 each year.
In the 2025-26 season, Knecht’s basic salary will be $4,010,160. This amount will also be his cap hit and dead cap value for that season.
Q. Did the bus leave Dalton Knecht?
A. BREAKING: Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht is a “game-time decision” for the match against the Utah Jazz. The team bus accidentally left him behind. The driver confessed he forgot Knecht was still with the Lakers after the trade with the Charlotte Hornets was canceled.
Q. Why was Dalton Knecht not recruited?
A. During his sophomore year, he couldn’t play basketball because of poor grades. By his senior year, he became a standout, averaging 21 points and 6.5 rebounds each game. However, his height of 5-foot-6 as a junior made it difficult for colleges to consider recruiting him seriously.